Tennessee is home to an impressive variety of bird species, distinguished by their unique features and sounds. The Northern Cardinal, notable for its vivid red plumage and melodious calls, is a common sight. The Carolina Wren, small yet vocal, enchants with its distinctive 'teakettle' song. Another small but lively resident is the Carolina Chickadee, recognized by its 'see-dee, see-dew' calls. The Blue Jay stands out with its striking blue feathers and protective behavior. Additionally, the American Crow, a larger bird known for its black hue and sharp 'Caw! Caw!' sounds, is prevalent across the state. Continuing will reveal further intriguing details about Tennessee's avian population.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, is a prevalent bird species in Tennessee, distinguished by its striking red plumage in males and more subtle reddish accents in females.
Measuring about 8.75 inches with a 12-inch wingspan, these birds are often spotted at backyard feeders.
Their distinctive song, characterized as pichew-pichew-pichew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, is a familiar sound across the state.
Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus), measuring about 5.5 inches in length, are a vibrant and vocal part of Tennessee's avian landscape. Known for their distinctive 'teakettle, teakettle' song, these birds are easily identifiable by their reddish-brown coloration and white eyebrow stripe.
Weighing approximately 0.74 ounces with a wingspan of 7.5 inches, Carolina Wrens add lively energy to Tennessee's bird population.
Carolina Chickadee
Small yet vibrant, Carolina Chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) measure approximately 4.75 inches in length and are a delightful presence in Tennessee's diverse bird population.
This small bird thrives in woodlands, parks, and gardens, easily recognizable by its 'see-dee, see-dew' song.
Weighing around 0.37 ounces with a 7.5-inch wingspan, they are noted for their active foraging behavior and cheerful calls.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata), known for their vivid blue plumage and distinctive crest, are a common sight in Tennessee's wooded and suburban areas.
These intelligent bird species can mimic calls of other birds and some mechanical sounds.
Omnivorous, their diet includes insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
They are territorial, defending their nests vigorously, and have a wingspan of about 16 inches.
American Crow
Moving from the vibrant Blue Jays, we now turn our attention to another common Tennessee resident, the American Crow.
This large black bird, with a wingspan of about 39 inches, is known for its distinct 'Caw! Caw!' calls.
Omnivorous scavengers, American Crows feed on insects, small animals, fruits, and carrion, playing vital roles in controlling insect populations and cleaning up ecosystems.
Tufted Titmouse
Moving on from the American Crow, we next explore the Tufted Titmouse, a sprightly and energetic bird often seen in Tennessee's woodlands and gardens.
This small bird, with its distinctive blue-gray coloration and white face, is a familiar sight. It thrives on a diet of seeds and insects, often visiting bird feeders, and is known for its lively 'peter peter peter' call.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove, distinguishable by its plain brown and gray plumage and long, pointed tail, is a prevalent species across Tennessee.
It primarily feeds on seeds and often nests in open areas, constructing a small, messy nest of sticks in trees.
Recognizable by its melancholic hooOOA, hoo, hoo, hoo call, this common garden bird has a relatively short lifespan.
American Robin
American Robins, characterized by their dark gray backs and vivid brick red underparts, are a common sight in Tennessee. These fair-sized songbirds are renowned for their melodious calls and cheery songs.
They skillfully construct cup-shaped nests in trees while foraging for worms and bugs in open, grassy areas.
As the most numerous landbird in North America, their presence is both prominent and delightful.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers, easily recognized by their striking black and white barred backs and a signature red patch on their bellies, are a fascinating species found throughout Tennessee.
These medium-sized woodpeckers exhibit pale gray underparts and distinctive sexual dimorphism; males feature red on their heads, while females display it only on the back of their heads.
Their call distinctly sounds like 'Qwerr!'
Northern Mockingbird
Renowned for its vocal versatility, the Northern Mockingbird is Tennessee's state bird, celebrated for its elaborate song sequences.
These birds in Tennessee showcase distinct field marks: a gray body, long tail, and striking white wing patches visible during flight.
Known as skilled mimics, they replicate various sounds and defend their territories vigorously, thriving in open landscapes, gardens, and urban settings across the state.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker, distinguished by its striking black and white plumage, is the smallest and most common woodpecker species in North America. Recognizable by its bold striped head, it frequents Tennessee's woodlands, parks, and suburbs.
A familiar feeder visitor, it enjoys suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Its presence is often heralded by characteristic drumming sounds as it searches for insects.
House Finch
While the Downy Woodpecker is a familiar sight in Tennessee, another common bird, the House Finch, also enriches the local avian population with its vibrant presence and melodious songs.
These backyard birds, notable for the male's red on the head, throat, and chest, measure about 5.5 to 6 inches long. Females display brown and gray plumage with streaks, blending subtly into their surroundings.
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds, with their vibrant blue backs and melodious songs, thrive across Tennessee's diverse landscapes. These small thrushes, recognized by their rusty throats and white bellies, primarily feed on insects, fruits, and berries, aiding in pest control. They favor cavity-nesting, often in open habitats and can be encouraged to nest through strategically placed boxes.
Conservation efforts have successfully bolstered their populations after previous declines.
Eastern Towhee
Shifting focus to another notable species, the Eastern Towhee captivates with its striking black upperparts and melodious calls.
Exhibiting white markings on its wings and a contrasting white belly, these common birds are known for their distinctive 'Drink your tea!' song.
They primarily forage on the ground, scratching in leaf litter to uncover insects, seeds, and other plant matter in woodland environments.
What Makes the Birds in East Tennessee Different from Birds in the Rest of Tennessee?
The types of birds in East Tennessee are distinct from those found in other parts of the state. This region is home to a variety of unique species like the red-shouldered hawk, hooded warbler, and Carolina chickadee. The diverse habitats in East Tennessee provide a haven for these particular birds.
American Goldfinch
Soaring through the Tennessee skies, the American Goldfinch, also known as the Eastern Goldfinch, showcases its vibrant yellow plumage and black markings.
Frequented by these finches, bird feeders often attract them alongside the house finch.
They thrive in open fields and meadows, primarily feeding on seeds from sunflowers and thistles, and are noted for their distinctive, undulating flight pattern.
