Pelicans in Indiana in March

Yes, March is one of the best months to see pelicans in Indiana. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 144 of the 412 sightings logged across the year (35%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

American White Pelican photographed in IndianaAmerican White Pelican photographed in IndianaAmerican White Pelican photographed in Indiana
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for pelicans in Indiana

35%

of yearly sightings

144

records in March

#2

busiest month of 12

412

verified records a year

February 3.6%, March 35%, April 36.4%. Busiest month is April at 36.4%.

Best months: April, March, October

412 verified observations of pelicans in Indiana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When pelicans are recorded in Indiana

Peak month

April

150 records (36.4% of the year)

Quietest month

January

2 records

MonthObservationsShare
January20.5%
February153.6%
Marchpeak14435%
Aprilpeak15036.4%
May122.9%
June122.9%
July102.4%
August81.9%
September204.9%
Octoberpeak276.6%
November71.7%
December51.2%

Pelicans you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
American White Pelican411
Brown Pelican1

In Indiana, March carries 35% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 26.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from February (3.6%) into March, and it heads toward April (36.4%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so March is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The pelicans most often recorded in Indiana are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a March split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in March itself.

Which pelicans you are most likely to see

  • American White Pelican411 records
  • Brown Pelican1 records
Plan your tripIndiana Dunes National Park

Plan your pelican trip in Indiana

Start with live tours near Indiana Dunes National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see pelicans in Indiana in March?+

Yes. March accounts for 144 of the 412 verified pelicans sightings logged in Indiana across the year, which is 35% of the annual total.

Is March a good time to see pelicans in Indiana?+

March is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of April, March and October.

What month is best for pelicans in Indiana?+

April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, March and October, based on 412 verified observations.

Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Indiana?+

The most-recorded species in Indiana are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.