Spot-billed pelican, a rare bird species, has been spotted at Gaidahawa Lake in Rupandehi district. 

A team of bird watchers led by researcher Prashanta Ghimire spotted the bird species on Friday. 

According to ornithologists, this is the fourth time the rate bird has been found in Nepal. It was a fledgling, ornithologists said.

Senior ornithologist Hemsagar Baral said the last time the bird was seen in Chitwan was in 2005. 

Earlier the bird was found in Koshi in 1996 and in Kathmandu some 150 years ago, he added.   

Spot-billed pelican is a migratory bird and experts say it does not stay in Nepal for long. It will soon return to its original habitat.

This species of bird feeds on fish and frogs and is primarily found in ocean and lakes. According to conservationists, the bird hatches its egg in India’s Gujarat and Kerala states. 

In April, ornithologists had spotted Great white pelicans in Kumal Lake in Barandabhar Jungle of Chitwan district.