South · Mississippi Flyway

Birds in Tennessee

Tennessee's Mississippi River corridor and Great Smoky Mountains offer forest and wetland birding.

410+Bird species
3Habitat types
1Birding hotspots
4+Cities

Popular cities in Tennessee

Common Birds in Tennessee

The most frequently reported bird species across Tennessee. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

Browse all birds →

Backyard Birds in Tennessee

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Tennessee. These are the species you're most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Birds by Habitat in Tennessee

Tennessee spans 3 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Tennessee

The best places to go bird watching in Tennessee, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Reelfoot NWR

Cypress swamp Bald Eagle nest site and waterfowl wintering.

Bird Calendar — Tennessee

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

February
Steady winter residents
March
Steady winter residents
June
Steady winter residents
July
Steady winter residents
August
Steady winter residents
November
Steady winter residents
December
Steady winter residents

Explore neighboring states

About birding in Tennessee

Tennessee is located in the South region of the United States and falls along the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 410 bird species across 3 habitat types: forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Nashville or planning a trip to Reelfoot NWR, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Tennessee.