Backyard Birds Tennessee Birds

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Post on Feb 13, 2025

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Backyard Birds of Tennessee: A Complete Guide for Birdwatchers

Tennessee boasts a vibrant avian population, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned ornithologist or a curious beginner, discovering the feathered friends that grace Tennessee backyards is a rewarding experience. This guide dives into the common backyard birds of Tennessee, offering tips for attracting them and resources to deepen your knowledge.

Common Backyard Birds in Tennessee

Tennessee's diverse habitats—from forests and mountains to fields and urban areas—support a wide variety of bird species. Some of the most common backyard birds you're likely to encounter include:

Songbirds: Melodies of the Backyard

• Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis): This iconic bird, with its vibrant red plumage (males) and melodious song, is a year-round resident readily spotted in Tennessee backyards. They are frequent visitors to feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds.

• American Robin (Turdus migratorius): A familiar sight across North America, the American Robin is another year-round resident in Tennessee. Their cheerful song and fondness for earthworms make them a welcome addition to any backyard.

• Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata): Known for their intelligence and boisterous calls, Blue Jays are common visitors to backyard feeders. They are attracted to a variety of seeds and nuts.

• House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus): These small, vibrant finches are frequently seen at bird feeders, particularly those offering nyjer seeds. Males boast a rosy-red face.

• Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens): The smallest woodpecker in Tennessee, the Downy Woodpecker is a frequent visitor to backyard suet feeders. They are adept at foraging for insects on trees.

Other Backyard Visitors

Beyond songbirds, you might also spot:

• Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura): Easily identified by their mournful cooing, these doves are common ground feeders, often found scavenging for seeds.

• Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos): Known for their impressive vocalizations, mimicking the songs of other birds, these are common backyard residents.

• Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis): These tiny, active birds are easily identified by their black cap and bib. They are regular visitors to feeders offering sunflower seeds and suet.

Attracting Birds to Your Tennessee Backyard

Creating a bird-friendly backyard requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are some key steps:

Providing Food Sources:

• Bird Feeders: Offer a variety of feeders to attract different species. Sunflower seeds are a popular choice, while suet attracts woodpeckers. Consider offering nyjer seeds for finches and platform feeders for larger birds.
• Planting Native Plants: Native plants provide natural food sources like berries and seeds, supporting a healthy ecosystem and attracting a wider variety of birds.

Providing Water Sources:

• Bird Baths: Provide a shallow dish of fresh water for drinking and bathing. Regular cleaning is essential.
• Drippers or Fountains: Moving water is more attractive to birds than still water.

Providing Shelter and Nesting Sites:

• Shrubs and Trees: Offer dense shrubs and trees for cover and nesting. Evergreen trees provide shelter during winter.
• Birdhouses: Install birdhouses of appropriate sizes to attract cavity-nesting birds.

Resources for Tennessee Birdwatching

To further enhance your Tennessee birdwatching experience, consider utilizing these resources:

• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA): The TWRA website offers valuable information on Tennessee's bird species and conservation efforts.
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: The Cornell Lab's website and Merlin Bird ID app provide comprehensive bird identification resources.
• Local Audubon Societies: Connect with your local Audubon chapter for guided bird walks, workshops, and other birdwatching opportunities.

Conclusion: Embrace the Avian Wonders of Tennessee

By understanding the common birds in Tennessee backyards and taking steps to create a bird-friendly environment, you can enjoy the beauty and wonder of these feathered creatures year-round. So grab your binoculars, get outside, and start exploring the avian treasures that Tennessee has to offer! Happy birding!