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Anjana Nawarathna
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ZL 1010 – Individual Project
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Demonstrator name – Miss. Nithma
2023.03.03
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Report of individual assignment on

animal behavior

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CONTENT

Introduction……………………………………….………………………………….04
Subject animal…………………………………….………………………………….05
Study site……………………………………….…………………………………….08
Background of behavioral observations…………………………………...………….10
Results and observations…………………….……………………………………….11
Discussion………………………………………………………… ………………….20
Conclusion…………………….………………………………………………………24
Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………. ….24
References……….……………………………………………………………………25

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INTRODUCTION

Scientific study on animal behavior (ethology) is extremely crucial field in the world. including
Animal communication, predation, defense, aggression, mating, imprinting, fixed action
patterns and releasers, and migration are some studying areas in ethology. These behavioral
studies are important thus different advantages. The changing of animals’ behavior is a forecast
about weather and natural disasters, behavioral studies are also important in laboratory studies
to invent and test the effects and operation of medicines and drugs. Also, it’s easy to make a
comfort life for animals with behavioral studies as it helps to identify uncomfortable behaviors
of animals.
For this assignment, behavioral study was conducted on Spot billed pelican bird (Pelecanus
philippensis) which lives Beira Lake area in the center of Colombo city. The lake is surrounded
with many businesses and buildings. Also, the lake has become polluted with the different
human activities. The subject bird has chosen eco system which has built up surrounding the
Beira Lake as its habitat.
Objectives of this behavioral study are to identify the different behavioral patterns and the
behavior of Pelican who lives in urban area, to gain the experience of working in the field and
identify the problems and errors regarding to behavioral studies. The worthiest thing that
realized with this observe an animal is much comfort to a stressful mind as the nature is a
wonderful place with full of beauty and curious things.

Image 1.1 – flock of Spot billed pelicans in Dehiwala zoological garden

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SUBJECT ANIMAL
Spot billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis)
Pelicans belong to the Family Pelecanidae in the Order Pelecaniformes are one of the most
distinctive birds of the world. They are characterized by a long beak and a large voluminous
distensible throat pouch. used for catching prey and draining water from the scooped-up
contents before swallowing.
Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Pelecaniformes

Family: Pelecanidae

Genus: Pelecanus

Image 2.1 - Spot billed pelican

 Genus Pelecanus comprises of seven species.

Image 2.2 – couple of Spot billed pelicans flying 5|Page

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P
elicans are very big birds with very long bills, a downcurved hook at the end of the upper
mandible, and an enormous gular pouch attached to the lower mandible. The pouch is
made into a basket for catching fish and occasionally rainwater by the flexible tongue
muscles and the slender lower bill rami, though the tongue is small, it does not avoid the
swallowing of big fish. There is hefty pinkish pouched bill marked with diagnostic dark spots
on the upper mandible. The head is grizzled with a hint of a shaggy crest and the back of the
neck is dark. Rings of bare skin around each eye that make this bird look like it's wearing
glasses. In breeding plumage, the rump, sides, and underwing coverts are salmon pink and the
breast ochre yellow They have large, completely webbed feet and short, stout legs with a long
neck. Air pockets in the skeleton and beneath the skin allow them to float high in the water
despite being among the heaviest flying birds and being comparatively light for their outward
bulk. The tail is short and square. The wings are long and broad, suitably shaped for soaring
and gliding flight.

Length → 1.27–1.52 m (4.2–5.0 ft)

wingspan → 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
weight → 5 kg
color → Mainly grey-white all over, with a grey hindneck crest in breeding season

DISTRIBUTION
They could be found in all regions except
Antarctic.
The studies species mainly distributed in
Southern Asia from southern Pakistan across
India east to Indonesia, extinct in the
Philippines and possibly eastern China.
(Purple colored areas in the map 1)

Map 2.1. – Distribution of Spot billed pelican(ebird.org)

FEEDING
The diet of pelicans usually consists of fish, but occasionally amphibians, turtles, crustaceans,
insects, birds, and mammals are also eaten. The size of the preferred prey fish varies depending
on pelican species and location.

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NESTING AND BREEDING

Spot billed pelican is a wetland bird. They make nests on low trees near wetlands and
sometimes near human habitations. They make flat form nests. The breeding season varies
from October to May. Female bird leys three to four chalky white eggs. The eggs become dirty
with age. Eggs hatch in about 30–33 days. The young stay in or near the nest from three to five
months. In captivity the young are able to breed after two years.

Image 2.3 – pelican nests near Image 2.4 - Nesting

Beira Lake

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STUDY SITE
Behavioral observations were mainly taken at the Beira Lake which situated in Centre of
Colombo, Western province, Sri Lanka.
GPS coordinates - 6.9294° N, 79.8542° E
Area – 0.65km2

Beira lake

Map 3.1 – location of Beira Lake

Lake is situated in busy area with different businesses. Surrounded by different buildings and
lanes. Seemamalakaya of Gangarama temple also
situated in the middle of the lake. Area is busy
with different human activities.
The ecosystem which has developed with the
Beira Lake has made many habitats for different
animal species. As examples – spot bill pelican,
ducks, crows, cormorants, storks, monitors,
insects and aquatic animals. Food chains and
behaviors of these organism have made great
contributions to the continuity of environment.
With different human activities the lake
has become polluted. The lake gets its famous green Image 3.1 – Beira Lake with Spot billed
color and unusually bad odor because of the result pelicans
of pollution over hundreds of years and algae that is present in the water. The bad smell is
mostly prominent during dry weather, due to the high rates evaporation and it fades off with
the arrival of the rainy season.

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Image 3.2 Image 3.3

Image 3.4 Image 3.5

Image 3.6
Image 3.7

Image 3.2 – Beira Lake

Image 3.3 - Seemamalakaya
Image 3.4 – artificial floating areas in Beira Lake.
These have made for animals to spend their time
Image 3.5 – polluted water in Beira Lake
Image 3.6 – A monitor near Beira Lake
Image 3.7 – couple of goose near Beira Lake
Image 3.8 – A stork near Beira Lake

Image 3.8
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BACKGROUND OF BEHAVIOURAL
OBSERVATIONS
 Main places that observations were taken,

1. Gangarama Seemamalakaya

2. Ester side lake bank

 Observations were made for a period of 6 weeks during the in different times.

 First two days of observation were used to get a general idea of the expected behavioral

patterns of the birds. Other sessions of observations were used in quantifying behavior.

 The birds were always observed in small groups or individually. Therefore, focal

sampling was carried out during preparation of the ethogram.

 Observations were recorded in a field note book.

 During focal animal sampling all behaviors of the bird were noticed for a period for a

maximum of 40 minutes.

Image 4.1 – Observing behavior

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RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Ethogram
Table 1 – ethogram for Pelicans’ behavior patterns

Behavior Description

Floating Stay in water without movements

searching Finding food
Standing still Extended periods of standing without moving

Preening Flapping wings and running bills through feathers for grooming
Basking in the sun/ Spreading wings and facing the sun for warmth
Spreading wings
Flapping Flapping wings to dry off feathers
Diving Skilled diving to catch fish
Flying Flying over water to search for food or move locations
Calling Making sounds such as honking, squawking, and growling
Feeding Catching and consuming fish or other small prey in water

Image 5.1 – Standing still Image 5.2 - Feeding

Image 5.3 – Spreading wings Image 5.4 – Flapping in water

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Date - 2022.12.03
Location - Gangarama seemamalakaya
Climate - Sunny
Temperature - 26OC
Status - 7 birds are floating near Seemamalakaya

Start: 09.14

09.14 a.m.: Floating

09.17 a.m.: Floating
09.19 a.m.: Resting
09.23 a.m.: Resting
09.25 a.m.: Finding
09.26 a.m.: Swimming (not long distance)
09.27 a.m.: Swimming (not long distance)
09.28 a.m.: Swimming (not long distance)
09.29 a.m.: Feeding
09.30 a.m.: Resting Image 5.5 – Floating behavior of Flock
09.31 a.m.: Resting of spot billed pelicans in sunny time
09.32 a.m.: Resting
09.33 a.m.: Resting
09.34 a.m.: Resting
09.35 a.m.: Floating
09.36 a.m.: Stay and Finding
09.37 a.m.: Finding
09.38 a.m.: Feeding
09.39 a.m.: Resting
09.42 a.m.: Fighting
09.43 a.m.: Calling
09.44 a.m.: one bird flying, others are floating
End: 09.44 a.m.

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Date - 2022.12.03
Location - Gangarama seemamalakaya
Climate - Sunny
Temperature - 27OC
Status - 3 birds are standing up on an artificial floating area

Start: 10.10

10.10 a.m.: standing

10.12 a.m.: watch around
10.13 a.m.: stand up without movements
10.14 a.m.: preening stomach area by beak
10.15 a.m.: preening feathers
10.16 a.m.: preening feathers
10.18 a.m.: watch around
10.19 a.m.: rise up beak
10.20 a.m.: standing up without movements
10.22 a.m.: preening under feathers by rising up feathers
10.25 a.m.: rise and unfolding feathers half
10.26 a.m.: preening
10.27 a.m.: flapping
10.28 a.m.: scratching neck by using leg
10.29 a.m.: flapping
10.31 a.m.: one flying to the nest
10.32 a.m.: flapping
10.34 a.m.: another one flying to the nest
10.34 a.m.: a bird still standing up
10.35 a.m.: flapping
10.36 a.m.: watch around
10.38 a.m.: yawning
10.39 a.m.: changed the place with 3 steps
10.40 a.m.: flapping
10.41 a.m.: preening wings and feathers
10.44 a.m.: standing up without moving
10.45 a.m.: get in to water
10.46 a.m.: searching

End - 10.46 a.m.

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Date - 2022.12.04
Location - Gangarama seemamalakaya
Climate - Sunny
Temperature - 30OC
Status - 2 birds are floating near the bank. (Male bird and a female)

Start: 11.20 a.m.

11.20 a.m.: floating

11.23 a.m.: searching
11.24 a.m.: floating
11.26 a.m.: searching
11.27 a.m.: male is swimming to middle of lake. Female bird is following male
11.29 a.m.: searching
11.30 a.m.: floating
11.32 a.m.: both of them near to each other
11.33 a.m.: male bird flapping
11.34 a.m.: floating
11.36 a.m.: male flying
11.37 a.m.: female floating
11.38 a.m.: female starting to fly
11.39 a.m.: female joining to male
11.40 a.m.: both birds are flying higher
11.43 a.m.: flapping wings
11.44 a.m.: floating in sky by unfolding wings
11.49 a.m.: other 2 pelicans are joining
11.51 a.m.: all pelicans flying in circle
11.52 a.m.: floating in a circle

End: 12.00 p.m.

Image 5.6 – Four spot billed pelicans are flying

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Date - 2022.12.09
Location - Gangarama seemamalakaya
Climate - Sunny
Temperature - 27OC
Status - Male focal bird

Start: 6.20 p.m.

06.20 p.m.: came to lake by flying

06.21 p.m.: Floating
06.22 p.m.: Floating
06.23 p.m.: Searching
06.24 p.m.: Feeding
06.25 p.m.: Floating
06.26 p.m.: Floating
06.27 p.m.: Preening
06.28 p.m.: calling
06.29 p.m.: Feeding
06.30 p.m.: preening
06.31 p.m.: Searching
06.32 p.m.: Floating
06.33 p.m.: yawning Image 5.7 – spot billed pelicans in Beira
06.35 p.m.: another one coming by flying Lake at Night
06.36 p.m.: flapping and calling
06.37p.m.: Fighting
06.38 p.m.: Floating
06.41 p.m.: Preening
06.42 p.m.: Feeding
06.43 p.m.: Fighting
06.44 p.m.: Floating
06.46 p.m.: One bird flying, other one floating
06.47 p.m.: Floating
06.48 p.m.: Feeding
06.49 p.m.: Standing
06.50 p.m.: Flying away

Start: 06.58 p.m.

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Date - 2022.12.17
Location - Gangarama seemamalakaya
Climate - Sunny
Temperature - 31OC
Status - 8 birds are stand still on an artificial floating area in lake

Start: 12.22 p.m.

12.22 p.m.: preening wings

12.25 p.m.: preening feathers
12.27 p.m.: rising up feather’s half
12.28 p.m.: preening under feathers
12.30 p.m.: stans still. No movements
12.31 p.m.: preening stomach and neck
12.33 p.m.: flapping
12.34 p.m.: preening
12.35 p.m.: turn head to up
12.36 p.m.: open mouth, beak
12.38 p.m.: flapping
12.39 p.m.: preening under feathers
12.40 p.m.: preening near legs
12.42 p.m.: scratching neck by using leg
12.43 p.m.: stand still
12.45 p.m.: one bird holding its head between feathers
12.45 p.m.: others preening
12.48 p.m.: unfold wings and stand still
12.49 p.m.: preening body
12.51 p.m.: moving neck
12.52 p.m.: flapping
12.53 p.m.: one changing the place by 2 steps
12.54 p.m.: one starting to swim
12.55 p.m.: others preening body

End: 01.00 p.m.

Image 5.8 – spot billed pelicans on an artificial floating

area

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Date - 2022.12.17
Location - lake bank
Climate - Sunny
Temperature - 30OC
Status - Male focal bird

Start: 03.08 p.m.

03.08 p.m.: floating
03.10 p.m.: searching
03.11 p.m.: diving
03.12 p.m.: floating
03.14 p.m.: flapping in water
03.16 p.m.: swimming
03.17 p.m.: getting on to an artificial floating area
03.18 p.m.: standing still
03.20 p.m.: flapping very speedy
03.22 p.m.: basking the sun
03.23 p.m.: spreading wings
03.25 p.m.: shaking tail feather speedy
03.27 p.m.: flapping wings speedy
03.30 p.m.: stand still
03.31 p.m.: spreading wings
03.33 p.m.: preening
03.35 p.m.: shaking tail feathers
03.37 p.m.: repeating 3.20pm to 3.25pm behaviors
End: 3.50 p.m.

Image 5.9 – Male focal bird on an

artificial floating area

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Date - 2023.01.07
Location - lake bank
Climate - Sunny
Temperature - 30OC
Status - 8 birds standing up on artificial floating area
4 birds are floating

8 birds standing up on artificial floating area – Scan sampling

Start: 02:40 p.m.
02.40 p.m.: preening body
02.42 p.m.: preening under feathers
02.44 p.m.: spreading feathers
02.45 p.m.: preening feathers
02.47 p.m.: flapping
02.48 p.m.: stand still without movements
02.49 p.m.: flapping
02.51 p.m.: preening under feathers
02.53 p.m.: opening beak and rise
02.54 p.m.: spreading feathers
02.55 p.m.: flapping
02.56 p.m.: stand still
02.58 p.m.: looking around
02.59 p.m.: preening body
03.02 p.m.: one bird flying away
03.04 p.m.: another bird flying
03.05 p.m.: others preening
03.06 p.m.: one bird starting to swimming
End: 03.10 p.m.

Image 5.10 – Pelican preening its feathers

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4 birds are floating – scan sampling

Start: 03.15 p.m.
03.15 p.m.: floating
03.18 p.m.: searching
03.19 p.m.: waiting without movements
03.21 p.m.: feeding
03.22 p.m.: one bird flapping in water (spreading water onto the body. Like bathing)
03.24 p.m.: preening body
03.26 p.m.: preening neck
03.27 p.m.: folding neck
03.28 p.m.: one bird folding neck and keeping in between feathers
03.30 p.m.: floating
03.33 p.m.: searching
03.34 p.m.: looking around
03.36 p.m.: diving
03.38 p.m.: swallowing
03.39 p.m.: floating
03.42 p.m.: flapping in water
03.43 p.m.: yawning
03.44 p.m.: swimming
03.46 p.m.: two birds getting in to artificial floating area
03.47 p.m.: stand still
03.49 p.m.: flapping
03.50 p.m.: preening
End: 03.50 p.m.

Image 5.11 - bird folding neck and keeping in

between feathers

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DISCUSSION
MOST COMMON BEHAVIOR PATTERNS
Observed most common behavior patterns in sunny days was floating, preening and
flying. When the pelican is in the water the most observed behavior is floating and when the
pelican is on the artificial floating area the most observed behavior is preening.
Floating
Pelican is spending their time on the water without movements. They stay in the same
place for long time. Most times each pelican is looking at the same direction without moving
its neck or feathers. In my point of view and according to the observations they show floating
behaviors for catching a pray. They spent time without movements because when moving,
fishes and other aquatic animals move away and it is difficult to catch pray. Therefore, they
show floating behavior much time when they are feeding. On other hand when it’s not moving,
it is easy to focus on a prey. Most occasions next step after floating behavior was feeding. They
jumped forward suddenly and sink the beak in to the water for catching prey.
Another interesting thing is when the day time with higher sunlight, pelicans show
floating behavior near to the bank where are sheltered with trees surrounding the lake. They
stay still on the water until it is able to catch a prey. Aquatic animals like mollusks and algae
are mostly can be seen at the lake banks and cold places with shelter. It is the reason for
observing floating behavior at the lake banks.
Although pelican behave in a flock when they are floating on water there is a distance
between each pelican. (Approximately 5m.) showing territorial behaviors. But when a pelican
swim to one direction others also following him.

Image 6.1, 6.2 - Floating

Preening
Preening is the most common behavior which is observed from the pelicans who were on the
artificial floating area. Also, it was observed rarely from the birds who are floating on the water.
Pelicans are doing preening at a place which get better sunlight.

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Preening is the procedure used by pelicans to maintain and clean their feathers. In order to
maintain their ability to fly, remain warm and waterproof, and draw potential mates during
breeding season, pelicans must engage in this behavior.
A pelican will use its long, curved mouth to clean its feathers of dirt, debris, and parasites while
preening. Additionally, to keep their feathers waterproof, they will distribute oil produced by
a gland near their tail using their beaks. For improved aerodynamics during flying, pelicans
will also straighten and align their feathers with the aid of their beaks.
Being a social animal, pelicans frequently gather in groups to groom each other's plumage
while preening. This behavior is believed to spread the waterproofing oil evenly across the
feathers and strengthen social ties within the group. Preening is a fundamental habit for pelicans
that keeps their social relationships and physical health within the group.
And also, the Beira Lake is a lake with polluted water and it may be a reason for preening of
spot billed pelicans frequently. The chemicals and other matters in water is a reason for
different infections and therefore they preening their body and feathers to clean and remove
things which are collected among their feathers.

Image 6.3 – preening feathers

Flying
Flying is a common behavior that observed in sunny days in the day time. First spot billed
pelicans are flying as couples and then flying in a circle together as a flock.
Reasons for flying,
1. Thermals: Some birds, such as vultures, use thermals (rising columns of warm air) to
gain altitude without flapping their wings. When circling within a thermal, they can
maintain their altitude while conserving energy.

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2. Courtship: Some bird species perform aerial displays, including circular flights, as part
of their courtship behavior. The circular flight can be an impressive display of agility
and strength, and may help attract a mate. (Why do Birds Fly in Circles? by Jeff Strong
January 25, 2022)

Image 6.4, 6.5 - Flying

Spot billed pelican is a social animal and always they were observed at the places where are
humans are always involving. Ex: Seemamalakaya area. The reason for that behavior may be
the foods and other artificial things which are thrown by human. Pelicans in Beira Lake used
to feed garbage which are floating and collecting on the water. It may cause different
infections, digestive disorders and be a threaten to the spot billed pelicans and other animals
in this ecosystem.
After diving they are used to dry their
feathers by flapping, spreading wings
and basking sun rise.
When consider the pelican’s beak, beak
is always flat and the pouch of the beak
is not appearing. But when they are
feeding the pouch is appeared as it fills
with water and food parts. When the
pelican basking sun rise the pouch of
the beak is dangling and it is shaking
speedy.

Image 6.6 – A spot billed pelican near

garbage which are floating on water

This spot billed pelicans add a beauty to the Beira Lake area and they also give a great
contribution to the equilibrium of ecosystem. Therefore, this species is an important animal
and we must get actions to protect.

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When getting observations, it is very important to minimize the errors that can be
occur. Data must be collected carefully because accuracy of the data is directly effects on the
final results. Hawthorn effect is a most common error which is occurred in behavioral studies.
It means that behavior and the physical movements of the observer can be changed the
natural free behavior of the animal. That can be avoid by using different techniques. Patience
and punctually is very important in behavioral studies. Observing and collecting data by
reaching nearer to the animal or its habitat gives more accurate results Camouflage and hides
can be used to avoid horn then effect. Low visibility times must be avoided. Should wear
earthy color clothes and avoid bright colors should not use perfumes.
When using correct methods and without being a trouble to animals, more accurate
and precise results can be taken. Accurate data will be important always to get proper
decisions.

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CONCLUSION
In sunny days with good sunlight spot billed pelicans spend their time mainly for feeding and
basking the sun rise. Also, they preening their body and feathers to maintain their body heathy.
Spot billed pelicans are social animals who behave with a flock and don’t make callings often.

ACKNOLADGMENT
This study would have been impossible to complete without the invaluable help and
guidance provided by the subject coordinator and lecturer of the ZL 1010 – Animal Behavior
module, Prof P. Nihal Dayawansa. Therefore, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to
him.
I would also like to thank my teaching assistant, Miss Nithma, for providing great
support in organizing the project and offering guidance. Additionally, credit should be given
to my beloved parents and friends. Finally, I extend a huge thanks to everyone who contributed
in various ways to the successful completion of this study.

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REFERENCES
1. KANCHANA WEERACOON RANASINGE. (2005) Conservation of spot billed
pelican (Pelecanus philipensis) in north central and central provinces of Sri Lanka.
Fromwww.conservationleadershipprogramme.org

2. Jeff Strong (2022) Why do Birds Fly in Circles?

From bearriverblogger.com

3. PHIL COLLAPREENING, SEABIRDS AND THE UROPYGIAL

GLAND
Pelicans of La Jolla, Seabird
4. Spot-billed Pelican - BirdForum Opus (2020)

5. Ebird.org

6. Wikipedia (2023)

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