Best Time to See Pelicans in Missouri
March, April and May is the best time to see pelicans in Missouri. Based on 539 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Missouri.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
539 verified observations of pelicans in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
March
101 records (18.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 2.6% |
| February | 49 | 9.1% |
| Marchpeak | 101 | 18.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 89 | 16.5% |
| Maypeak | 55 | 10.2% |
| June | 30 | 5.6% |
| July | 15 | 2.8% |
| August | 31 | 5.8% |
| September | 46 | 8.5% |
| October | 54 | 10% |
| November | 35 | 6.5% |
| December | 20 | 3.7% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 535 |
| Brown Pelican | 3 |
Sightings of pelicans in Missouri peak in March, when 101 of the year's 539 verified observations are logged — about 18.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, April and May.
The quietest stretch is January, July and December, when pelicans are hardest to find — January sees just 14 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 Missouri 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 Missouri
- George Washington Carver National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways — National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near George Washington Carver National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in Missouri.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Missouri?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, April and May, based on 539 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in Missouri, with only 14 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Missouri?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Missouri