Brown pelican taking flight over ocean

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

Brown pelican taking flight over ocean

Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more

How does the brown pelican use its throat pouch when hunting for fish?

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) uses its expandable throat pouch as a fishing net rather than a storage organ. It dives from heights of up to 20 meters, plunging bill-first into the water. On impact, the pouch expands and traps fish along with several liters of water, which the bird then drains before swallowing its catch.

How can this photo be used?

Licensed for commercial use through Kataloop, this stock photo suits nature publishers, bird conservation organizations, travel brands focusing on the Mexican Caribbean, and agencies running wildlife or environmental campaigns. The native resolution of 8640 x 5760 pixels makes it suitable for large-format printing, exhibitions, or full-spread magazine layouts, among other applications.

What mood does this photo convey?

The frontal perspective on the landing pelican creates an immediate, almost confrontational presence. The outstretched wings fill the frame, while the raised webbed feet signal motion just before rest. The softly blurred turquoise water background reinforces the calm of the environment and contrasts with the focused physical tension of the bird.

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

The razor-sharp rendering of the pelican mid-approach owes everything to the Sony ILCE-1 paired with the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS. At 8640 x 5760 pixels and 50 megapixels, the Alpha 1 captures individual feathers, the bill tip, and webbed feet in exceptional detail. The GM telephoto lens delivers fast, accurate subject tracking essential for capturing fast-moving birds in coastal environments.

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

Documentary-style wildlife photography is increasingly in demand: authentic animal images without staging are gaining relevance in conservation communication, sustainable travel campaigns, and environmental NGOs. This image combines biological accuracy with clear visual impact, aligning with the growing need for credible visual storytelling around biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.

What is Holbox known for?

Off the coast of Holbox, a wildlife scene unfolds that draws nature photographers from around the world. Located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo between the Gulf of Mexico and Yalahau Lagoon, this car-free island is a haven for coastal birds like the brown pelican. Its shallow turquoise waters and quiet shores create exceptional conditions for close-up wildlife photography, as visible in this striking landing shot.

Stock media of Holbox

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