Pelicans in Tennessee in December
Yes, December is one of the best months to see pelicans in Tennessee. It is the 1st busiest month of the year, with 77 of the 443 sightings logged across the year (17.4%), 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 Tennessee
17.4%
of yearly sightings
77
records in December
#1
busiest month of 12
443
verified records a year
November 12.6%, December 17.4%, January 14%. Busiest month is December at 17.4%.
443 verified observations of pelicans in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
December
77 records (17.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 62 | 14% |
| February | 48 | 10.8% |
| March | 39 | 8.8% |
| April | 19 | 4.3% |
| May | 38 | 8.6% |
| June | 9 | 2% |
| July | 5 | 1.1% |
| August | 5 | 1.1% |
| September | 22 | 5% |
| Octoberpeak | 63 | 14.2% |
| November | 56 | 12.6% |
| Decemberpeak | 77 | 17.4% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 432 |
| Brown Pelican | 11 |
In Tennessee, December carries 17.4% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 9.1 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 1st busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from November (12.6%) into December, and it heads toward January (14%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so December is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The pelicans most often recorded in Tennessee are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a December split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in December itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican432 records
- Brown Pelican11 records
Plan your pelican trip in Tennessee
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic 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 Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Tennessee.
Viator
Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Tennessee
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 Tennessee in December?+
Yes. December accounts for 77 of the 443 verified pelicans sightings logged in Tennessee across the year, which is 17.4% of the annual total.
Is December a good time to see pelicans in Tennessee?+
December is one of the best months. It ranks 1st of the year and sits inside the peak window of December, October and January.
What month is best for pelicans in Tennessee?+
December is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through December, October and January, based on 443 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Tennessee?+
The most-recorded species in Tennessee are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in Tennessee in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Tennessee