Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 240 species of birds, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. The park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, and is known for its diverse habitats, ranging from deciduous forests to grassy meadows and high-elevation spruce-fir forests. Here are some of the birds you can see at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the most iconic birds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With its distinctive red crest and black and white plumage, the Pileated Woodpecker is easy to spot in the forest. The bird is known for its loud drumming, which can be heard from a distance.
- Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a familiar bird throughout much of the eastern United States, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The male bird is known for its bright red plumage, while the female has a more subdued brownish-red color. Cardinals are often seen perched on tree branches or foraging on the ground for seeds and insects.
- American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small bird with bright yellow plumage and black wings. The bird is known for its distinctive flight pattern, which features a series of undulating dips and rises. The American Goldfinch is often seen feeding on thistle seeds in open meadows and fields.
- Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a striking bird with bright blue plumage and a distinctive crest. The bird is known for its loud, raucous calls, and is often seen perched on tree branches or foraging on the ground for nuts and seeds.
- Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large bird of prey that can be seen soaring over the forests and meadows of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The bird is known for its reddish-brown tail feathers and broad wingspan, which can measure up to four feet.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny bird with iridescent green plumage and a bright red throat. The bird is known for its ability to hover in mid-air while feeding on nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds can often be seen in the park’s gardens and meadows during the summer months.
- Wild Turkey
The Wild Turkey is a large bird that is native to North America. The bird is known for its distinctive fan-shaped tail feathers and bold, iridescent plumage. Wild Turkeys can often be seen foraging for food in open meadows and fields.
- Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a small bird with a distinctive black cap and white cheeks. The bird is known for its sweet, whistled call, and is often seen flitting through the trees in search of insects.
- American Crow
The American Crow is a large, black bird that is often seen perched on tree branches or flying overhead. The bird is known for its distinctive cawing call, and is often associated with Halloween and spooky stories.
- Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a large, wading bird that can be seen in the park’s streams and rivers. The bird is known for its distinctive blue-gray plumage and long, slender legs. The Great Blue Heron is often seen standing motionless in the water, waiting for fish to swim by.
In addition to these birds, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also home to a variety of raptors, including the Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Cooper’s Hawk. The park’s diverse habitats also attract
a variety of migratory birds, including warblers, vireos, and thrushes, which pass through the park during their annual migrations.
If you’re planning a birdwatching trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, bring a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope, as many of the birds in the park are small and can be difficult to see without magnification. Second, consider visiting the park during the spring or fall, when many migratory birds pass through the area. Finally, be sure to stay on designated trails and respect the park’s wildlife by observing birds from a safe distance.
Overall, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic destination for bird enthusiasts, with a wide variety of species to see and habitats to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, the park offers a wealth of opportunities to observe and appreciate the beauty of these fascinating creatures.
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