Pelicans in South Dakota in August
Yes, August is a good month to see pelicans in South Dakota. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 38 of the 444 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 June 28, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in South Dakota
8.6%
of yearly sightings
38
records in August
#5
busiest month of 12
444
verified records a year
July 10.6%, August 8.6%, September 7%. Busiest month is April at 24.8%.
444 verified observations of pelicans in South Dakota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in South Dakota
Peak month
April
110 records (24.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 0.2% |
| February | 1 | 0.2% |
| March | 19 | 4.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 110 | 24.8% |
| Maypeak | 104 | 23.4% |
| Junepeak | 76 | 17.1% |
| July | 47 | 10.6% |
| August | 38 | 8.6% |
| September | 31 | 7% |
| October | 10 | 2.3% |
| November | 5 | 1.1% |
| December | 2 | 0.5% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 442 |
| Brown Pelican | 2 |
In South Dakota, August carries 8.6% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 0.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from July (10.6%) into August, and it heads toward September (7%) after. The busiest month is April (24.8%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in South Dakota are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican442 records
- Brown Pelican2 records
Plan your pelican trip in South Dakota
Start with live tours near Badlands 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 Badlands National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Badlands National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in South Dakota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a pelican tour in South 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 South Dakota in August?+
Yes. August accounts for 38 of the 444 verified pelicans sightings logged in South Dakota across the year, which is 8.6% of the annual total.
Is August a good time to see pelicans in South Dakota?+
August is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though April and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in South Dakota?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, May and June, based on 444 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in South Dakota?+
The most-recorded species in South Dakota are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in South Dakota in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in South Dakota