This reminds me of the other art piece that was a tattoo. I now realize that it couldn't have been on skin as you can see one like here. Most likely it's a Photoshop creation. It's great that you did something nice for your friend. I don't know if I've ever seen a pelican look so glorious. Most of the ones I see are just goofy looking.
It appears to be on your friend's back. Again, I would probably never get a permanent one. It looks like the pelican has a tattoo or at least some ensigna on its chest. No, I can't tell if it's a male or female pelican. The moving lines look like spikes.