Brown Pelican

A large, robust flight feather featuring a rich grayish-brown vane and a stout, pale central shaft, characteristic of the iconic Brown Pelican.

Uniform grayish-brown to dark brownish-gray coloration across the vane with a robust, pale whitish-cream rachis.

Pennaceous, tightly interlocked barbs with strong hooklets creating a rigid, waterproof vane structure.

Sturdy, thick central rachis that is pale cream or white in color, with densely packed barbs extending at a moderate angle.

Stiff, smooth, and slightly glossy texture designed for aerodynamic efficiency and water resistance.

Wing remige, specifically a large flight feather from the wing, adapted for strong soaring and gliding flight.

Large size, stout pale rachis, uniform brownish-gray vane without barring or intricate patterns.

Marine and coastal environments, including ocean shores, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and saltwater bays.

Coastal regions of the Americas, ranging from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States down to South America.

Apex piscivore in coastal marine ecosystems, serving as an important bioindicator of marine health and fish populations.

Other large coastal seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, or larger herons, though the specific size and pale robust shaft distinguish pelican flight feathers.

Brown Pelicans are famous for their spectacular plunge-diving technique to catch fish from high above the water surface.

Pelican feathers have historically been used in indigenous crafts and decorative items, though today they are primarily studied by naturalists.

Look along coastal beaches, nesting colonies, and roosting sites near the ocean for large, discarded wing and tail feathers.

Good overall condition with minor wear along the edges, typical of a naturally molted feather.