Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area - Chota Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/25/2026Lenoir City Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/6/2026

Wood Duck

63/6/2026

Mallard

63/6/2026

Common Merganser

33/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Horned Grebe

23/6/2026

Common Loon

13/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

63/6/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

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.