Glaucous-winged Gull (and hybrid Gulls typical of Seattle, often 'Olympic Gull')

This specimen is a secondary flight feather from a large Larus gull, most likely a Glaucous-winged Gull or its common hybrid with the Western Gull (known as the 'Olympic Gull'). These large gulls dominate the Pacific Northwest cityscape and coastline, possessing soft gray mantles, white heads and bodies, and heavy yellow bills.

Uniform soft pale pearl-gray to brownish-gray tone across the upper vane surface with a whitish base and clean light underside; lacks contrasty black tipping seen in eastern gulls

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure across most of the vane with short plumulaceous barbs at the very base of the calamus

Stout, cream-colored to off-white central shaft (rachis) with dense, fine barbs angling smoothly toward the feather tip

Smooth, firm, and water-repellent surface typical of aquatic birds; matte to slight satin sheen

Secondary flight feather from the wing, positioned along the ulna. Distinctive broad width, slight curve, and off-center rachis identify it as a secondary feather

Uniform mid-gray coloration without stark dark black bands or spots, broad secondary flight shape, thick cream-colored shaft, smooth dense vane

Coastal marine environments, harbors, beaches, estuaries, rivers, agricultural fields, and heavily urbanized areas like parking lots, dumpsters, and outdoor restaurant outdoor seating

Pacific Coast of North America, from western Alaska down through the Pacific Northwest (including Puget Sound) to central California in winter

Key coastal generalist and opportunistic predator/scavenger, helping clean aquatic and terrestrial waste while controlling populations of invertebrates and small fish.

Western Gull (darker slate-gray mantle and feathers), Herring Gull (has dark blackish primary tips), California Gull (smaller size, darker gray mantle)

In the Seattle area, Glaucous-winged Gulls hybridize so extensively with Western Gulls that true genetically pure individuals are quite rare; ornithologists playfully call the ubiquitous local population 'Olympic Gulls'. They are famous opportunistic scavengers.

Gull feathers were historically used in millinery and casual crafts, though modern trade is restricted. They are widely recognized symbols of coastal and maritime life.

Look around urban parking lots, waterfront piers, and near outdoor dining areas during late summer (July to September), which is peak flight feather molt season for gulls.

Good condition. Shows slight edge wear near the distal tip and minor separation of the trailing barbs, typical of a naturally molted feather found outdoors

Found in Seattle by two cars and a restaurant