Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove

Tennessee · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

2/28/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Cades Cove1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

23/4/2026

Black Vulture

23/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

Eastern Phoebe

33/4/2026

American Crow

203/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

43/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Carolina Wren

33/4/2026

American Robin

203/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/2/2026

Field Sparrow

13/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/28/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Blue Jay

72/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove for birding?
The best months to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove?
Notable species at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove include Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove?
Birding at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.