Best Time to See Pelicans in Illinois
April, March and May is the best time to see pelicans in Illinois. Based on 2,201 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Illinois.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
2,201 verified observations of pelicans in Illinois, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Illinois
Peak month
April
631 records (28.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13 | 0.6% |
| February | 66 | 3% |
| Marchpeak | 583 | 26.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 631 | 28.7% |
| Maypeak | 197 | 9% |
| June | 127 | 5.8% |
| July | 94 | 4.3% |
| August | 81 | 3.7% |
| September | 175 | 8% |
| October | 140 | 6.4% |
| November | 68 | 3.1% |
| December | 26 | 1.2% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 2,199 |
| Brown Pelican | 2 |
Sightings of pelicans in Illinois peak in April, when 631 of the year's 2,201 verified observations are logged — about 28.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and May.
The quietest stretch is January, when pelicans are hardest to find — January sees just 13 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Illinois are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see pelicans in Illinois
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument — National Monument
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New Philadelphia National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Pullman National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a pelican tour in Illinois
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in Illinois.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Illinois?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and May, based on 2,201 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Illinois?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in Illinois, with only 13 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Illinois?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Illinois, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Illinois