Brown pelican in flight over ocean | Kataloop Stock Photo

Name: Brown pelican in flight over ocean
Brand: Kataloop
Price: 16 EUR
Availability: InStock

Brown pelican in flight over ocean

Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more

How wide is the wingspan of a brown pelican?

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) has a wingspan of roughly 2.0 to 2.3 meters, making it one of the largest coastal birds in the Americas. Despite its size, it is an agile flier and glides effortlessly just above the water surface, using air cushions created by ground effect to conserve energy during low-altitude flight.

How can this photo be used?

This stock photo is available under a commercial license, covering a wide range of applications. The frontal flight shot with a clean water background is suitable, for example, for ecotourism or conservation campaigns, magazine features on birdwatching or wildlife photography, and educational materials on Mexican or Caribbean wildlife. The 8640 x 5760-pixel resolution supports large-format printing without any loss of quality.

What mood does this photo convey?

The frontal perspective creates a direct face-to-face encounter with the viewer. The pelican almost entirely fills the frame, with wingtips reaching to the edges. The calm, diffuse blue of the water contrasts with the earthy brown tones of the plumage, resulting in a composed yet powerful image without sentimental overstatement.

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

Wings fully spread and flying directly toward the camera, this pelican was captured with the Sony Alpha 1 (ILCE-1) and the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. The Alpha 1's 50-megapixel sensor delivers extreme detail at 8640 x 5760 pixels, resolving individual feather structures. The GM telephoto lens with optical image stabilization allowed sharp freezing of the wing movement despite the bird's high speed.

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

Authentic wildlife photography with a documentary character is gaining importance in visual communication, as overly staged nature images are increasingly perceived as unconvincing. This pelican making direct eye contact represents that demand for genuineness. At the same time, the subject reflects the growing interest in biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, which has gained societal relevance through international conservation debates.

What is Holbox known for?

Isla Holbox, located off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of Mexico's most species-rich birdwatching destinations. Flamingos, frigatebirds, and brown pelicans like the one in this photo can be spotted here year-round. The island is car-free, its beaches largely undisturbed, and the shallow lagoons provide ideal habitat for migratory and coastal bird species. For wildlife and nature photographers, Holbox is a sought-after location.

Stock media of Holbox

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