Coastal birding habitat

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, and Hooded Merganser among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/18/2026West IRCO Agricultural Area1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/17/2026Tracking Station Beachfront Park1 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

7/16/2026Castaway Cove1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/15/2026Castaway Cove1 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

7/12/2026T.M. Goodwin WMA--Original Unit6 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

7/10/2026Micco Scrub Sanctuary1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/5/2026Stick Marsh (Indian River Co.)5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

67/15/2026

Common Ground Dove

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

137/15/2026

Least Tern

27/15/2026

White Ibis

77/15/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/15/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Tricolored Heron

37/15/2026

Snowy Egret

17/15/2026

Great Egret

57/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/15/2026

Brown Pelican

27/15/2026

Osprey

27/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

97/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/15/2026

Blue Jay

27/15/2026

Fish Crow

17/15/2026

Wood Stork

17/12/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

27/12/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

37/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Hooded Merganser, Willet, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.