Places to Bird in Tennessee

Featured in this Article:

Bird Watching in East Tennessee
Birding Spots in and near Nashville
West Tennessee Bird Watching Places near Memphis
Notable Birds to Watch For
Birding Trails and Resources in Tennessee
Tips for Birding in Tennessee

• Most-visited national park in the U.S. 

• Elevations range from 875 to 6,643 feet, creating a wide variety of habitats 

• Look for Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Northern Saw-whet Owls 

Seven Islands State Birding Park – Kodak

• Features 416 acres along the French Broad River 

• More than 220 bird species have been recorded here, including Indigo Buntings and Barn Owls 

• A favorite for those seeking birding near Knoxville experiences

Bird Watching in Oak Ridge

• Includes public areas like the University of Tennessee Arboretum and North Boundary Trail 

• Offers a mix of wetlands, open fields and forests 

• Ideal for spotting warblers and sparrows — great if you're learning how to start bird watching

Hiwassee / Ocoee Scenic River State Park – Delano 

• Located in Southeast Tennessee along the Hiwassee River 

• Known for large winter gatherings of Sandhill Cranes 

• Best visited during the Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival each January 

• Worth a visit if you’re curious about what is bird watching in action 

• 1,368-acre natural area within Nashville city limits 

• Offers forested trails and lake views ideal for spotting wildlife 

• Look for Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons and a wide range of warblers in spring

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge – Dover

• Spans more than 8,800 acres along the Cumberland River, about 31 miles west of Clarksville, Tennessee

• Managed wetlands and observation decks provide easy access to wildlife 

• Excellent for waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds 

• Offers great viewing for waterfowl, a favorite for birding ecotours 

• Created by the earthquakes of 1811–1812 

• Features cypress swamps, open water and bottomland forest 

•  A haven for Bald Eagles and waterfowl—perfect for birding tours during winter 

Pace Point, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Big Sandy Unit – Springville 

• Located on the western shore of Kentucky Lake 

• Known for exceptional shorebird and waterfowl viewing, especially during migration 

• Look for sandpipers, ducks, gulls and terns 

• An excellent stop offered by birding tour companies in West Tennessee 

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park – Millington

• More than 12,000 acres of protected land just north of Memphis 

• Includes mature hardwood forest and wetlands near the Mississippi River 

• Great spot to see owls, woodpeckers and migrating songbirds 

• A popular destination for bird watching for beginners 

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge – Brownsville 

• Encompasses bottomland hardwood forest and wetland habitat in West Tennessee 

• Excellent spot for spring and fall songbird migration 

• Home to the annual Hatchie BirdFest each spring, featuring guided walks and birding programs 

• A seasonal favorite on many bird watching tours

Northern Mockingbird – As Tennessee’s state bird, this year-round resident is commonly seen perched on fences, rooftops, or shrubs, where it sings a medley of songs copied from other birds. 

American Robin – Often among the first signs of spring, robins are widespread across Tennessee in parks, yards, and forest edges, especially during early mornings when foraging for worms. 

Indigo Bunting – Common in the summer months, these brilliant blue songbirds are often found along roadsides, powerline cuts, and brushy fields across the state, especially in Middle and East Tennessee. 

Yellow Warbler – Best seen in spring and summer, these bright yellow warblers breed near wetlands, creeks, and shrubby areas across Tennessee, especially in the western and central regions. 

Eastern Bluebird – A conservation success story, you can see bluebirds in Tennessee in open fields and suburban areas, especially where nest boxes are provided. 

Purple Martin – These migratory swallows return to Tennessee in early spring and often nest in colonies in manmade martin houses, especially in open grassy areas near water; they’re commonly seen in Middle and West Tennessee. 

Bald Eagle – Once rare, Bald Eagles now nest successfully across the state, particularly near large lakes and rivers like Reelfoot Lake, Dale Hollow, and the Tennessee River. Winter brings even more eagles from farther north.