Brown Pelican

A long, resilient flight feather from one of the world's most recognizable coastal birds. The Brown Pelican is a large, grey-brown waterbird with a massive bill and expandable throat pouch. In flight, they are graceful soarers, often seen flying in 'V' formations or lines just above the wave tops.

Gradated silver-grey to brownish-charcoal. The leading edge is darker, transitioning to a silvery-grey on the trailing vane. The tip is darker brown, indicating higher melanin concentration for wear resistance.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs interlocked with hooklets for flight rigidity; some plumulaceous (downy) barbs visible at the base of the calamus for insulation.

Thick, prominent central rachis, creamy-white to light tan in color. It is dorso-ventrally flattened near the base to withstand flight stress. Barbs are angled steeply toward the tip.

Smooth and stiff upper surface; slightly oily to the touch due to preen oil for water resistance; matte finish with a slight silvery sheen.

Wing feather; the significant asymmetry indicates a primary flight feather, which provides the necessary thrust and lift at the wingtip.

Length and width ratio, distinct silver-grey coloration with dark brown tips, and a very sturdy, pale rachis. The size distinguishes it from gulls, and the color distinguishes it from White Pelicans.

Coastal marine environments, including estuaries, bays, and beaches; rarely found inland except during extreme weather events.

Year-round resident along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts of the Americas, ranging from Washington/New Jersey south to the Amazon River and northern Chile.

Top-tier coastal predator controlling fish populations; their nesting health is a primary indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem and chemical pollution levels.

American White Pelican (feathers are pure white with black tips), Great Blue Heron (more blue-grey/slate and thinner), and large Gulls (typically have different spotting or terminal band patterns).

Brown Pelicans are the only pelican species that perform spectacular plunge-dives from heights of up to 60 feet to catch fish, using their pouch like a dip net.

Historically, pelicans have been symbols of self-sacrifice in Christian art. The feathers are occasionally used in traditional crafts, though modern use is strictly regulated.

Look for these in late summer and fall during the post-breeding molt. They are frequently found on sandy beaches or near wooden piers where pelicans congregate.

Good condition overall; some slight fraying (separation of barbs) at the tip and along the trailing edge, likely due to natural wear or 'zip' separation after molting.