Forest birding habitat

Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Sandhill Crane, and Killdeer 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/30/2026Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

5/27/2026Blythe Ferry2 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/26/2026Cherokee Removal Memorial Park1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

5/25/2026Chester Frost Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/25/2026Lower River Road Bridge Brittsville Area4 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/24/2026Soddy Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

335/30/2026

Wild Turkey

55/30/2026

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

65/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Eastern Phoebe

45/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

15/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

55/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

35/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/30/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge include Wood Duck, Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge?
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.