Pelicans in Indiana in October
Yes, October is one of the best months to see pelicans in Indiana. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 27 of the 412 sightings logged across the year (6.6%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Peak month for pelicans in Indiana
6.6%
of yearly sightings
27
records in October
#3
busiest month of 12
412
verified records a year
September 4.9%, October 6.6%, November 1.7%. Busiest month is April at 36.4%.
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)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.5% |
| February | 15 | 3.6% |
| Marchpeak | 144 | 35% |
| Aprilpeak | 150 | 36.4% |
| May | 12 | 2.9% |
| June | 12 | 2.9% |
| July | 10 | 2.4% |
| August | 8 | 1.9% |
| September | 20 | 4.9% |
| Octoberpeak | 27 | 6.6% |
| November | 7 | 1.7% |
| December | 5 | 1.2% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 411 |
| Brown Pelican | 1 |
In Indiana, October carries 6.6% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 1.7 points below an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from September (4.9%) into October, and it heads toward November (1.7%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so October 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 October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican411 records
- Brown Pelican1 records
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.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Indiana Dunes National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Indiana Dunes National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Indiana.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Indiana
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in Indiana in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 27 of the 412 verified pelicans sightings logged in Indiana across the year, which is 6.6% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see pelicans in Indiana?+
October is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd 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.
See pelicans in Indiana in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Indiana