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

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

5/29/2026SSRPSP SW - Ditch 6 and Powerlines1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/28/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

5/26/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

5/25/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP - Yellow Trail2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anhinga

35/30/2026

White Ibis

35/30/2026

Tricolored Heron

35/30/2026

Great Egret

25/30/2026

Brown Pelican

35/30/2026

Osprey

35/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

15/30/2026

Common Grackle

25/30/2026

Prairie Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Mottled Duck

125/21/2026

Mourning Dove

15/21/2026

Royal Tern

25/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

35/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/21/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Blue Jay

15/21/2026

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.