Adult Pelican Morphometric Data

This dataset comprises morphometric measurements of adult Spot-billed Pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis), collected as part of a long-term ecological monitoring programme at a colonial waterbird breeding site in southern India. The measurements were obtained from adult individuals during routine field-based monitoring and handling following standard ornithological protocols.
The dataset includes sex-specific measurements of key external morphological traits commonly used in avian morphometric and ecological studies. Recorded parameters include head length, culmen length, culmen width (near the nare and maximum width), culmen depth, tarsal length, tarsal width, mid-toe length, tail length, and wing length, all measured in millimetres (mm). Sex was determined based on field identification criteria used consistently across the study period.
These data are intended to support studies on sexual dimorphism, morphological variation, population-level comparisons, and long-term monitoring of body size and condition in Spot-billed Pelicans. The dataset may also be useful for comparative analyses with other pelican species or colonial waterbirds, and for informing conservation and management decisions for this Near Threatened species.
All measurements were taken by trained personnel using calibrated instruments to minimize observer bias. No experimental manipulation was involved, and data collection adhered to ethical guidelines for wildlife research.