Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Sandhill Crane, and Killdeer 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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/6/2026Chester Frost Park1 observed

Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

3/5/2026Hiwassee River Bridge- -Hwy 583 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

3/5/2026Whispering Pines, Decatur, Tennessee, US (35.411, -84.921)

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/1/2026Chester Frost Park1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

2/28/2026Retro Hughes Road (top of the mountain), Sale Creek1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

2/28/2026Chickamauga Lake--Skull Island Boat Ramp1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

2/27/2026Chester Frost Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

2/24/2026Fletcher Park1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

2/24/202637321, Dayton US-TN (35.4464,-84.9202)2 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/22/2026Mountain View area - Dayton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

113/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

153/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

33/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/6/2026

American Robin

33/6/2026

Field Sparrow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

23/6/2026

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 Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge include Wood Duck, Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge?
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.