Pelicans have been sighted in desert country of the Red Centre as water holes fill after heavy rains.

The birds regularly migrate through inland parts of the Northern Territory but rarely stop for long periods of time.

Zoologist Mark Carter says there is plenty of food for them after heavy inland rains.

"When water does arrive in the outback, as we know, the desert springs to life," he said.

"That includes the fish.

"You can have a real, sudden explosion in fish numbers and the pelicans are well-tuned to coming in and taking advantage of that."

Mr Carter says the Australian pelican is well adapted to making the most of big rain events.

"You do see them occasionally but you can go years between sightings," he said.

"What seems to be happening is that small groups of pelicans fairly regularly pass over central Australia.

"If conditions look good they will drop down and hang around for a little while."