Brown Pelican

Brown pelicans are seabirds native to San Diego. Typically, they reside in saltwater areas like beaches and coastal bluffs. These birds fish by plunge-diving, a technique of diving from high heights at swift speeds. Sometimes, they can reach 40 mph starting from as high as 60 feet in the air. The impact stuns and kills the fish instantly. To achieve this, the pelicans’ beaks have a specialized sword-like shape that pierces through the air and the water. This aerodynamic shape can be utilized in technology requiring greater speeds.

While the impact allows them to successfully hunt, it is also dangerous for the pelicans themselves: They could break their necks. To protect their bones, they have specialized air sacs in their bones called pneumatic foramina. When the pelican inhales before diving, these cavities are filled with air, creating a cushion that reduces impact on the pelican and provides buoyancy. Additionally, the bright red gular pouch that dangles from the pelican’s neck is another protective mechanism. With the unique structure and arrangement of collagen fibers, the skin is elastic to rapidly expand when the pelican breaks the water, slowing it down and further mitigating the force of impact. These two structures can be mimicked to offer shock-absorbing technology, bolstering human safety in events such as car collisions.

Special note:
Brown pelicans were among the many species close to extinction in the mid-20th century due to the toxic insecticide DDT. The DDT had chemically interfered with eggshells, dangerously thinning them. After conservation laws banned DDT, pelican populations climbed back up in San Diego.

Sources:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Pelican/overview
https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/reportcard/stories/legislation_works
https://www.pbs.org/video/how-do-pelicans-survive-their-death-defying-dives-milj8e/
https://www.audubon.org/news/how-birds-keep-their-cool