Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

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

Blue-winged Teal American Wigeon Hooded Merganser Willet Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

3/5/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park2 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

3/4/2026Turkey Creek Sanctuary1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/3/2026IRCO Fellsmere House1 observed

Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

3/2/2026Fishermans Landing (Grant Co.)5 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

3/1/2026Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

2/28/2026121 North Cypress Street, Fellsmere, Florida, US (27.773, -80.604)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

2/26/2026Tenth Ct, Vero Beach US-FL 27.61169, -80.394561 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

2/26/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP - Yellow Trail1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/26/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Tropical Kingbird (Middle American)

Tyrannus melancholicus

2/25/2026Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Brevard Co.)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/24/20268301–8355 85th St, Vero Beach US-FL 27.74876, -80.495621 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

2/24/2026St. Sebastian River Preserve SP (Indian River Co.)1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in Florida

Everglades National Park

Vast subtropical wilderness with incredible wading bird concentrations and tropical species.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Remote island migrant trap with the only continental US Sooty Tern colony.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel Island mangrove refuge with spectacular wading bird viewing from Wildlife Drive.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

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.