River/Riparian birding habitat

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 307 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/16/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Pool 41 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/12/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit1 observed

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

7/12/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

7/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Evans Branch1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/11/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit2 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/11/2026US-Tennessee-New Johnsonville-2501-2571 Old Pump Station Road - 35.971x-87.9842 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/11/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

177/17/2026

Wood Duck

27/17/2026

Mourning Dove

197/17/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/17/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/17/2026

Killdeer

37/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/17/2026

Little Blue Heron

57/17/2026

Snowy Egret

67/17/2026

Green Heron

17/17/2026

Great Egret

237/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/17/2026

Black Vulture

17/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

67/17/2026

Osprey

37/17/2026

Bald Eagle

17/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit?
Notable species at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit?
Birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit?
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.