Pelicans in Kansas in May
Yes, May is a good month to see pelicans in Kansas. It is the 6th busiest month of the year, with 49 of the 568 sightings logged across the year (8.6%), 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 July 2, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in Kansas
8.6%
of yearly sightings
49
records in May
#6
busiest month of 12
568
verified records a year
April 17.1%, May 8.6%, June 4%. Busiest month is September at 17.3%.
568 verified observations of pelicans in Kansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Kansas
Peak month
September
98 records (17.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24 | 4.2% |
| February | 25 | 4.4% |
| Marchpeak | 66 | 11.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 97 | 17.1% |
| May | 49 | 8.6% |
| June | 23 | 4% |
| July | 16 | 2.8% |
| August | 23 | 4% |
| Septemberpeak | 98 | 17.3% |
| October | 61 | 10.7% |
| November | 63 | 11.1% |
| December | 23 | 4% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 558 |
| Brown Pelican | 10 |
In Kansas, May carries 8.6% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 0.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 6th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from April (17.1%) into May, and it heads toward June (4%) after. The busiest month is September (17.3%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in Kansas are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican558 records
- Brown Pelican10 records
Plan your pelican trip in Kansas
Start with live tours near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Kansas.
Viator
Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Kansas
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 Kansas in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 49 of the 568 verified pelicans sightings logged in Kansas across the year, which is 8.6% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see pelicans in Kansas?+
May is the 6th busiest month. It is workable, though September and April is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in Kansas?+
September is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through September, April and March, based on 568 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Kansas?+
The most-recorded species in Kansas are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in Kansas in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Kansas