Four species are found in India, but they can scarcely be described as common birds. Two species, however, are fairly abundant on the big jhils of Northern India.
[207]. Pelicanus crispus: The Dalmatian Pelican. (F. 1522), (+V; a large bird as big as a swan.)
The beak is one and a half feet in length. A white bird with some black in the wings. Bill dark grey.
Winter visitor to U. P. and Sind. (Illus. F. IV., p. 331.)
[208]. Pelicanus philippensis: The Spotted-billed or Grey Pelican. (F. 1523), (J. 1004), (+V; much smaller than [207].)
This may be distinguished by the curious dark spots and markings on its pinkish yellow bill. (Illus. B. P., frontispiece.)
The Cormorants, 209-211
These are large black birds, which live largely on the water, and catch fish by diving. When not fishing they have the habit of standing on top of a post with wings outspread and then look rather like a church lectern.
Three species occur in India:
[209]. Phalacrocorax carbo: The Large Cormorant. (F. 1526), (J. 1005), (+V.)