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

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

7/17/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Gatlinburg Trail1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/17/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Kuwohi (TN) (formerly Clingman’s Dome)3 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/16/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Cades Cove Nature Trail2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/16/2026Kyker Bottoms Refuge1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

7/13/2026Heaven On The Horizon2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

167/13/2026

Osprey

17/13/2026

American Crow

167/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/13/2026

Chuck-will's-widow

17/11/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Blue Jay

37/11/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/11/2026

Carolina Wren

17/11/2026

Wood Thrush

17/11/2026

American Robin

17/11/2026

American Goldfinch

17/11/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/11/2026

Swainson's Warbler

17/11/2026

Hooded Warbler

37/11/2026

Northern Parula

17/11/2026

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.