Wetland birding habitat

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/14/2026Reelfoot-Indian Creek #5 Watershed Lake1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/10/2026Reelfoot Lake SP--Keystone Pocket3 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/10/2026Robinson Bayou (private transient fields)--Hoecake Rd north to Baptist Church Rd, Hampton Rd east to Paschall Rd2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/14/2026

Great Egret

17/14/2026

Mississippi Kite

37/14/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

37/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/14/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

67/14/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/14/2026

White-eyed Vireo

47/14/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/14/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/14/2026

Blue Jay

17/14/2026

American Crow

27/14/2026

Fish Crow

47/14/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge?
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.