Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican is a large, distinctive waterbird with a long bill and throat pouch used for capturing fish. Known for its spectacular plunge-diving behavior, it has robust wings adapted for dynamic soaring over ocean waves

Uniform rich brownish-gray or grayish-brown coloration across the entire vane with a robust pale whitish-tan rachis, typical of adult non-breeding or juvenile body/wing plumage

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure with strong barbicels forming a cohesive, durable vane resistant to water and wind stress

Central shaft is thick, sturdy, pale cream to white, slightly curved, flattened on the underside with high barb density and uniform barbs extending at a steady angle

Stiff, smooth, matte to slightly glossy finish with high structural rigidity designed to withstand heavy aerodynamic forces during soaring and plunging

Wing, specifically a secondary flight feather, determined by its broad symmetrical shape, length, and stiff interlocking barbs

Large size, uniform brownish-gray vane, pale robust rachis, and stiff pennaceous structure distinguishing it from raptor and waterfowl feathers

Marine and coastal environments, including ocean shores, estuaries, bays, mangrove swamps, and sometimes large coastal lakes

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

Acts as an apex marine predator and key indicator species for the health of coastal marine ecosystems and fish populations

Other large waterbirds such as gulls, cormorants, or large raptors, distinguished primarily by the uniform brown coloration and sturdy pale shaft of pelican flight feathers

Brown Pelicans use thermal updrafts to soar effortlessly and can plunge into the water from heights of up to 60 feet to scoop up fish in their expandable pouch

Pelican feathers have historically been used in indigenous crafts and decorative items, though today they are primarily valued for educational and natural history appreciation

Look along sandy beaches, coastal roosts, and near piers where pelicans rest and groom, particularly following the post-breeding molt season

Good condition, intact barbs, clean surface with minimal wear or fading, indicating a relatively fresh molt or recent loss