Pelicans in North Dakota in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see pelicans in North Dakota. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 78 of the 345 sightings logged across the year (22.6%), 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 North Dakota
22.6%
of yearly sightings
78
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
345
verified records a year
April 6.1%, May 22.6%, June 29.9%. Busiest month is June at 29.9%.
345 verified observations of pelicans in North Dakota, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
June
103 records (29.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0.3% |
| April | 21 | 6.1% |
| Maypeak | 78 | 22.6% |
| Junepeak | 103 | 29.9% |
| Julypeak | 71 | 20.6% |
| August | 36 | 10.4% |
| September | 26 | 7.5% |
| October | 6 | 1.7% |
| November | 3 | 0.9% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 344 |
In North Dakota, May carries 22.6% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 14.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 9 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (6.1%) into May, and it heads toward June (29.9%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The pelicans most often recorded in North Dakota are American White 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 Pelican344 records
Plan your pelican trip in North Dakota
Start with live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
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 Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in North Dakota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a pelican tour in North Dakota
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 North Dakota in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 78 of the 345 verified pelicans sightings logged in North Dakota across the year, which is 22.6% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see pelicans in North Dakota?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, May and July.
What month is best for pelicans in North Dakota?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and July, based on 345 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in North Dakota?+
The most-recorded species in North Dakota are American White Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in North Dakota in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in North Dakota