Forest birding habitat

Kyker Bottoms Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Kyker Bottoms Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/23/2026US-321 Lenoir City US-TN1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/22/2026Wellsville2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/18/2026158 Chahyga Way, Loudon, Tennessee, US (35.701, -84.265)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

125/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

American Barn Owl

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

65/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

35/31/2026

Field Sparrow

45/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

25/31/2026

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 Kyker Bottoms Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Kyker Bottoms Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Kyker Bottoms Refuge?
Notable species at Kyker Bottoms Refuge include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kyker Bottoms Refuge?
Birding at Kyker Bottoms Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kyker Bottoms Refuge?
Kyker Bottoms Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.