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

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

7/13/2026TN--Hendon Rd. (central, Hendon)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/12/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/12/2026

American Kestrel

17/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/12/2026

American Crow

37/12/2026

Purple Martin

17/12/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/12/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

47/12/2026

Canada Goose

157/6/2026

Wild Turkey

17/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/6/2026

Barn Swallow

27/6/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

37/6/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/6/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/6/2026

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.