Pelicans in New Mexico in May
Yes, May is a good month to see pelicans in New Mexico. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 30 of the 337 sightings logged across the year (8.9%), 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.
Good month for pelicans in New Mexico
8.9%
of yearly sightings
30
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
337
verified records a year
April 17.8%, May 8.9%, June 6.5%. Busiest month is April at 17.8%.
337 verified observations of pelicans in New Mexico, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in New Mexico
Peak month
April
60 records (17.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13 | 3.9% |
| February | 13 | 3.9% |
| March | 23 | 6.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 60 | 17.8% |
| May | 30 | 8.9% |
| June | 22 | 6.5% |
| July | 20 | 5.9% |
| August | 16 | 4.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 40 | 11.9% |
| Octoberpeak | 42 | 12.5% |
| November | 30 | 8.9% |
| December | 28 | 8.3% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 325 |
| Brown Pelican | 12 |
In New Mexico, May carries 8.9% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 0.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from April (17.8%) into May, and it heads toward June (6.5%) after. The busiest month is April (17.8%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in New Mexico 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 Pelican325 records
- Brown Pelican12 records
Plan your pelican trip in New Mexico
Start with live tours near Bandelier National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bandelier National Monument
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 Bandelier National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in New Mexico.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in New Mexico
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 New Mexico in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 30 of the 337 verified pelicans sightings logged in New Mexico across the year, which is 8.9% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see pelicans in New Mexico?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though April and October is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in New Mexico?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, October and September, based on 337 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in New Mexico?+
The most-recorded species in New Mexico are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in New Mexico in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in New Mexico