Merritt Island

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Merritt Island is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Western Cattle-Egret, Brown Pelican, and Egyptian Goose 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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/20268740 Indiana Avenue, Melbourne, Florida, US (28.072, -80.684)1 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

3/5/2026Orlando Melbourne International Airport2 observed

American Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

3/3/2026Cocoa, Florida1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/3/2026Sams House at Pine Island3 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

3/2/2026606 Gina Ln, Melbourne US-FL 28.24140, -80.687731 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/2026Osteen park1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

2/28/2026Sams House at Pine Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Cattle-Egret

12/22/2026

Brown Pelican

12/22/2026

Egyptian Goose

12/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

12/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

12/21/2026

American Wigeon

12/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

12/21/2026

Purple Gallinule

12/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

12/21/2026

Willet

12/21/2026

Royal Tern

12/21/2026

Wood Stork

12/21/2026

Anhinga

32/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/21/2026

Glossy Ibis

12/21/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

12/21/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

12/21/2026

Little Blue Heron

12/21/2026

Reddish Egret

12/21/2026

Snowy Egret

12/21/2026

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 Merritt Island for birding?
The best months to visit Merritt Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Merritt Island?
Notable species at Merritt Island include Western Cattle-Egret, Brown Pelican, Egyptian Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merritt Island?
Birding at Merritt Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Merritt Island?
Merritt Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.