Lake birding habitat

Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Bufflehead, Horned Grebe, and Common Loon 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

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/16/2026Kyker Bottoms Refuge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

17/20/2026

American Crow

37/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/20/2026

American Robin

27/20/2026

House Finch

47/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/20/2026

Canada Goose

147/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit?
Notable species at Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit include Bufflehead, Horned Grebe, Common Loon, Canada Goose, Wood Duck. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit?
Birding at Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit?
Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.