Coastal birding habitat

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, and Red-bellied Woodpecker among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

5/31/2026Alcoa Duck Pond1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/29/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Cades Cove1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/29/2026Harris-Rutherford yard1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/25/2026Tellico Lake WMA--Chota Unit1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/25/2026Ober Gatlinburg1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/22/2026Wellsville2 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

5/21/20265559 Kuwohi Road, Cherokee, North Carolina, US (35.567, -83.481)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

55/29/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

35/29/2026

Chimney Swift

45/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

55/29/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/29/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/29/2026

White-eyed Vireo

65/29/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

85/29/2026

Blue Jay

45/29/2026

American Crow

95/29/2026

Carolina Chickadee

35/29/2026

Tufted Titmouse

45/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove for birding?
The best months to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove?
Notable species at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove include Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove?
Birding at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.