Forest birding habitat

Rankin Bottoms

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Rankin Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Mourning Dove 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 White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/23/2026Cherokee Lake--Lake Access Rd2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

405/24/2026

Wood Duck

25/24/2026

Mallard

25/24/2026

Great Egret

25/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/24/2026

Osprey

15/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/24/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/24/2026

Tufted Titmouse

45/24/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/24/2026

Carolina Wren

25/24/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/24/2026

Song Sparrow

15/24/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

25/24/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/24/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

45/24/2026

Northern Parula

25/24/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/24/2026

Wild Turkey

15/24/2026

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 Rankin Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Rankin Bottoms for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Rankin Bottoms?
Notable species at Rankin Bottoms include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rankin Bottoms?
Birding at Rankin Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rankin Bottoms?
Rankin Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.