Those Feathers!

This pelican's feathers are a perfect example of "form meets function."While they look like a soft, snowy white blanket, they are incredibly hydrophobic (water-repellent). Like many water birds, pelicans have a special uropygial gland near the base of their tail that produces oil. They spend a lot of time preening, using their massive bills to spread that oil across every feather, which keeps them buoyant and dry even while they’re paddling through the water.You can also see some shorter, slightly "shaggy" feathers on the back of its head—these are part of its breeding plumage, which adds to its majestic look during nesting season!