Pelican of the Wilderness

A close view of a pelican fills the frame, emphasizing its long beak, watchful eye, pale crown, and finely marked throat and breast feathers. The bird is presented with quiet dignity against a dark natural background, drawing attention to the Creator’s detail in even the shore and wilderness creatures of Scripture.

In biblical language, the pelican is associated with the lists of unclean birds in the Law and with the lonely cry of lament in Psalm 102: “I am like a pelican of the wilderness.” This image serves well for teaching on creation, biblical animals, Old Testament purity laws, lament, solitude, and God’s care over all living things.