Known for its rich music history and scenic landscapes, Tennessee also serves as a vibrant canvas for an array of beautiful water birds. Twenty-three distinct species flutter across its skies, showcasing a dazzling array of colors and habits that intrigue both bird enthusiasts and casual observers.
Tennessee water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Reelfoot Lake |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Very Common | Tennessee River, Pickwick Landing State Park |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Great Egret | Common | Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Reelfoot Lake during migration |
| Green Heron | Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Urban and suburban areas with larger bodies of water |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Wood Duck | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge |
| Northern Pintail | Uncommon | Reelfoot Lake during migration |
| Redhead | Uncommon | Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge during migration |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge |
| Bufflehead | Common | Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Common Merganser | Uncommon | Rivers in the eastern part of the state |
| American Coot | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Sandhill Crane | Common | Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge during winter |
| American Wigeon | Common | Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Tennessee River, particularly near dams |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Large reservoirs, particularly during migration |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| American Bittern | Uncommon | Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge |
Water Bird Species Found in Tennessee
Where to Spot Tennessee’s Water Birds
Reelfoot Lake State Park, Tiptonville: This shallow cypress-filled lake is a fantastic location to spot a myriad of water birds such as American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, and Double-Crested Cormorants.
Radnor Lake State Park, Nashville: With its tranquil lake and diverse habitats, this state park is a favorite spot for bird watchers, where they can observe species like Mallards, Buffleheads, and Great Egrets.
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Birchwood: Situated at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers, it’s renowned for Sandhill Cranes, but it also attracts many water birds including Northern Pintails, American Coots, and Snowy Egrets.
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Brownsville: The largest bottomland hardwood forest in Tennessee, it’s a fantastic place for seeing species like Green Herons, Great Blue Herons, and various waterfowl.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park, Nashville: Along the Cumberland River, this park offers ample opportunities to observe water birds like Western Grebes, American Avocets, and various species of ducks.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Kentucky Water Birds | Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Lake Cumberland Wildlife Management Area |
| Virginia Water Birds | Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge |
| North Carolina Water Birds | Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Hatteras National Seashore |
| Georgia Water Birds | Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge |
| Alabama Water Birds | Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mississippi Water Birds | St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge |
| Arkansas Water Birds | Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area |
| Missouri Water Birds | Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge |
FAQs About Waterbirds in Tennessee
What are some common waterbirds in Tennessee?
Tennessee is host to a variety of waterbirds, including the Canada Goose, Male Wood Duck, Green Winged Teal, Red Tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, and numerous wading birds such as beautiful herons. These species can often be found in wildlife refuges, freshwater marshes, and slow moving rivers throughout the state.
What makes the male Wood Duck distinctive?
Male Wood Ducks are stunning, with green heads, a white band that runs around the neck, and blue-gray bodies. They are furtherfrom the distinguished by their golden yellow eyes and bright red bill. Breeding males often have even more pronounced coloring, while non-breeding males tend to have less vibrant markings.
What is the diet of small birds like the Green Winged Teal?
The diet of small birds like the Green Winged Teal consists largely of seeds and insect larvae. They often feed in shallow ponds or along the edges of bodies of water, where there is dense or floating vegetation. The Green Winged Teals, including both male ducks and females, are known to forage for food even at night.
Where do some of these waterbirds migrate from?
Some of these waterbirds migrate from regions as far as Northern South America and Central America. The Green Winged Teal, for example, breeds in the northern forests of Canada and the United States but winters as far south as Northern South America.
Why are there so many birds in Tennessee?
Tennessee provides an ideal habitat for so many birds due to its diverse ecosystems, including freshwater marshes, slow moving rivers, and dense vegetation. Additionally, the state’s wildlife refuges serve as safe havens for all the species, both resident and migratory. The small birds native to Tennessee, such as the Green Winged Teal, are known to eat seeds found in their habitats, and breeding males often display a distinctive blue patch on their wings.