Birds of Tennessee
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have announced a plan to reintroduce the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW), a species extirpated from Tennessee in 1994.
Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival
Beginning in the early 1990s, the recovering population of eastern Sandhill cranes began stopping at the Hiwassee Refuge on their migration route. As many as 12,000 cranes have been known to overwinter at the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers. The TWRA is happy to host the Sandhill Crane Festival each year. Every year , you can come and watch and take photographs of these wonderful birds. TWRA Sandhill Crane page.
Non-native Birds
All birds native to North America (including Tennessee) are federally protected by Migratory Bird Treat Act laws. It is illegal to harm, kill, possess, transport, or collect dead birds, nests, or eggs without permits issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Violators are subject to penalties of fines and jail time for violations.
The following list is a list of birds NOT protected by federal laws, however, there are laws about the transport of captive-raised game birds. Contact TWRA or USFWS for details on the transport of captive-raised game birds.
List of non-native, invasive, and domestic birds not federally protected by Migratory Bird Treat Act laws and found in Tennessee.
- House Sparrow
- European Starling
- Rock Pigeon
- Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Muscovy Duck
- Chinese Goose
- Mute Swan
- Ring-necked Pheasant, Chukar, and other non-native game birds, released for hunting purposes.
Please Report Banded Birds!
The USGS Patuxent Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) encourages hunters to report banded birds. Band reports must be submitted through the mobile-friendly website, North American Bird Banding Program, by persons in the US and other countries, except Canada. Those who call the toll-free line will hear a message announcing the change and directing them to the website.
The BBL encourages everyone reporting a band to use www.reportband.gov. A report requires only around 5 minutes to complete online. After a report is submitted, the date and location where the bird was originally banded are provided and a Certificate of Appreciation along with additional banding details (date, location of banding) will be sent via email.
Capturing and banding birds requires considerable effort, and documenting the recovery or re-sighting of banded birds is essential to profit from that effort. Band recovery data are the basis for improving the conservation and knowledge of bird populations in North America. Please help the BBL, its many partners, and the birds of North America by continuing to report your band recoveries.
