Birds of Prey in Tennessee grace the skies with their awe-inspiring presence, captivating both residents and visitors alike. This diverse group of raptors, including majestic eagles, swift falcons, and elusive owls, thrives in Tennessee’s varied landscapes.
Whether soaring above the Great Smoky Mountains or perched in the wetlands along the Mississippi River, Tennessee offers abundant opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to witness the remarkable beauty and natural prowess of these magnificent creatures.
Types of Birds of Prey in Tennessee
| Bird's Name | Size | Frequency in Tennessee | Best Place to Spot in Tennessee | Best Viewing Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Large | Very Common | Throughout Tennessee | All year |
| American Kestrel | Small | Very Common | Open fields and grasslands | All year |
| Bald Eagle | Large | Common | Near lakes and rivers | All year |
| Northern Harrier | Medium | Common | Open fields and wetlands | All year |
| Broad-winged Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands | Spring - Autumn |
| Cooper's Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Small | Uncommon | Mixed forest areas | Autumn - Spring |
| Osprey | Large | Uncommon | Near lakes and rivers | Spring - Autumn |
| Peregrine Falcon | Medium | Uncommon | Urban areas and cliffs | Spring - Autumn |
| Turkey Vulture | Large | Very Common | Throughout Tennessee | All year |
| Black Vulture | Large | Common | Throughout Tennessee | All year |
| Barred Owl | Medium | Common | Woodlands | All year |
| Great Horned Owl | Medium | Common | Woodlands | All year |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Small | Common | Woodlands and urban areas | All year |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Small | Uncommon | Dense coniferous forests | Autumn - Spring |
| Short-eared Owl | Medium | Rare | Open fields and marshes | Winter |
| Mississippi Kite | Medium | Uncommon | Forest edges and open areas | Spring - Autumn |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Medium | Common | Woodlands | All year |
| Golden Eagle | Large | Rare | Open mountainous regions | Autumn - Spring |
When it comes to hawks in Tennessee, you can sometimes also spot the Rough-legged hawk and northern goshawks, as well as barn owls. Rough-legged hawks, known for their distinctive feathered legs and dark belly patches, are known to visit Tennessee during their winter migration.
Tennessee Birds of Prey Photo Guide
Where to Spot Tennessee’s Birds of Prey
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: As the most biodiverse park in the National Park system, this location is home to several species of birds of prey, such as Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and Barred Owls.
Reelfoot Lake State Park: Located in the northwest corner of the state, this park offers excellent opportunities to see Bald Eagles, especially in the winter months. You can also spot other raptors such as Red-tailed Hawks and Ospreys.
Radnor Lake State Park: Situated in Nashville, this urban park is a hotspot for birdwatchers, offering sightings of several birds of prey like Cooper’s Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Barred Owls.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area: This large, diverse area located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley is home to a variety of birds of prey, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels.
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge: Located in western Tennessee, this refuge is known for its diverse bird population. Raptors such as Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and Red-tailed Hawks can often be spotted here.
Tennessee, with its mountains and rivers, is home to diverse birds of prey. Witness the southern charm reflected by Alabama’s Birds of Prey. Or, head north to find birds of prey in Kentucky, where the Winged Predators symbolize the Bluegrass State’s natural allure. To the west, Arkansas’s Sky Hunters represent the Natural State’s diverse landscapes. Explore these species further with our ultimate Guide to American Birds of Prey.