You're running through the lush, tropical chaos of Yara, dodging FND patrols and probably looking for some depleted uranium to upgrade your latest Resolver weapon. Then you see it. A large, slightly goofy-looking bird perched on a dock. Most players just keep running. But if you're a completionist—or if you just like birds—you probably want to know how to feed pelicans in Far Cry 6. It’s not just about being a friend to the local wildlife; there’s an actual achievement called "Secret Ingredient" tied to this specific interaction.
Feeding a pelican is weirdly wholesome. It feels out of place in a game where you’re literally launching CDs at soldiers' heads while a crocodile in a vest mauls people nearby. But it’s Yara. It’s chaotic. Why wouldn't you stop to give a bird some fish?
Where the Hell Are the Pelicans?
Finding these birds is usually the hardest part. You’d think they’d be everywhere since Yara is an island, but they can be surprisingly elusive when you're actually looking for them. Honestly, the best place to find them is near any body of water, but specific spots are much more reliable.
Look around the Costa Del Mar region or the Aguda Cliffs. There’s a specific spot near the Cortina Weather Station in the Madrugada province where they tend to cluster on the rocks. I’ve also had luck near the fishing villages in Santuary Island. You want to look for them perched on wooden piers or standing on the shore. Sometimes you'll see them flying overhead, but you can’t exactly feed a bird that’s mid-flight. You need one that’s grounded.
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Identifying the Right Bird
Don't mix them up with seagulls. Pelicans are big. They have that massive pouch under their beak. If you approach one and it doesn't immediately fly away, you’re in luck. Most of the time, they’re pretty chill until you get right up in their face.
The Actual Process of Feeding Pelicans in Far Cry 6
You can't just walk up and press a button if you don't have the right "currency." Pelicans don't want your Yaran Pesos. They want fish. Specifically, you need to have Fish Meat in your inventory.
If you haven't done any fishing yet, you'll need to grab a rod and find a fishing spot. Any fish will do. Just catch one, "loot" it to get the meat, and you're set. Once you have the meat, approach the pelican slowly. If you sprint at it, it’s going to get spooked and fly off, and then you’re just standing on a dock feeling like an idiot. Walk up, wait for the prompt that says "Feed," and hold the button. Dani will reach out and offer a scrap of fish.
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It’s a quick animation. The bird takes it, looks satisfied for a second, and you get that sweet notification for the Secret Ingredient achievement/trophy. You only need to do this once for the achievement, but you can keep doing it if you have the fish meat and want to feel like a Disney princess in a war zone.
Why Some Players Get Stuck
Believe it or not, people struggle with this. Mostly because they try to feed pelicans while in combat or while an Amigo like Guapo is actively trying to eat the bird. Pro tip: maybe tell your crocodile to stay back for five seconds.
Another issue is the "interact" prompt not appearing. This usually happens if the bird is technically in a "moving" state or if the terrain is uneven. If the prompt won't show up, try moving around to the side of the bird or waiting for it to reposition itself. Some players have reported that if they’ve already cleared the FND bases in an area, the wildlife spawns can get a bit wonky. If you can't find a pelican, try fast-traveling to a coastal camp and checking the nearby docks.
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Getting the Most Out of the Secret Ingredient Achievement
If you’re hunting for the Platinum trophy or full Gamerscore, the pelican thing is one of those "hidden" tasks that isn't explicitly explained in the main campaign. Far Cry 6 loves these little environmental interactions.
- Check your inventory first. Don't spend twenty minutes hunting a bird only to realize you sold all your fish to a trader for crafting materials.
- Use a sniper scope to scout. From a distance, pelicans look like white blobs. Use your binocs or a scope to find them on the shoreline before you trek over there.
- Watch out for sharks. Seriously. If you’re fishing for the bait, the splash can attract sharks, which makes the whole "peaceful bird feeding" vibe go south real fast.
Feeding the wildlife is a tiny part of the game, but it’s these little details that make Yara feel like a living place rather than just a shooting gallery. It’s a nice break from the constant explosions. Plus, the pelicans are just kind of cool to look at once you stop trying to shoot them for feathers.
Step-by-Step for the Achievement
- Get Fish Meat: Catch any fish anywhere in Yara.
- Find a Pelican: Head to the coasts of Madrugada or the Aguda Cliffs. Look for the large birds sitting on piers.
- Approach Carefully: Don’t run. Walk up until the "Feed" prompt appears.
- Hold the Interact Button: Dani will feed the bird.
- Ding: Achievement unlocked.
Once you’ve fed the pelican and grabbed the Secret Ingredient achievement, your next logical move is to finish off the rest of the hunting and fishing challenges. These often reward you with high-tier materials needed for the best Resolver weapons and Supremo upgrades. Head to a permanent Guerilla Camp and check the Hunting Lodge to see which legendary animals are still on your list, as these hunts provide the rarest trade-ins for unique gear sets.