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

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

4/13/20266435 Patrice Ln, Vero Beach US-FL 27.67055, -80.459453 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

4/12/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (leucophrys)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/12/2026Home1 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

4/12/2026T.M. Goodwin WMA--Original Unit8 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/11/2026Home1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/9/2026Sebastian Inlet SP--north side (Brevard co.)1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

4/8/2026Castaway Cove1 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

4/8/2026Castaway Cove1 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

4/6/2026382-498 Beverly Court, Melbourne Beach, Florida, US (27.926, -80.501)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/5/2026Maritime Hammock Sanctuary1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

4/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

4/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

4/4/20261010 Buffer Preserve Dr, Sebastian US-FL 27.83104, -80.539581 observed

Burrowing Owl (Florida)

Athene cunicularia

4/3/2026Fellsmere Water Management Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

214/11/2026

American Wigeon

24/11/2026

Common Ground Dove

14/11/2026

Black-necked Stilt

24/11/2026

Wood Stork

14/11/2026

Tricolored Heron

34/11/2026

Great Egret

14/11/2026

Brown Pelican

24/11/2026

Blue Jay

14/11/2026

Fish Crow

14/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/11/2026

Mottled Duck

4/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/6/2026

Mourning Dove

34/6/2026

Black Skimmer

14/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/6/2026

White Ibis

124/6/2026

American White Pelican

4/6/2026

Black Vulture

24/6/2026

Osprey

14/6/2026

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.