Nashville, Tennessee is known for many things – country music, hot chicken, and the famous Grand Ole Opry. But lately, another aspect of Nashville has been making headlines: the city’s booming bird population. From familiar backyard birds like cardinals and chickadees, to rare migrants stopping by on their seasonal journeys, Nashville is chock-full of our feathered friends. But why have birds flocked to Music City in such great numbers in recent years? Let’s take a closer look at what’s up with the birds in Nashville.
Nashville’s Unique Location Attracts Many Bird Species
One of the biggest reasons behind Nashville’s abundant and diverse bird life is its location. Situated along the Cumberland River and surrounded by forested parks, Nashville provides ideal habitat for many species of birds. The city lies within the Eastern, Central, and Mississippi flyways – major migration routes used by birds in North America. During spring and fall migration, countless birds pass through Nashville or stop to rest and refuel. The mixture of river, forests, and open green spaces within the city mimic the natural habitats birds rely on.
Within just Davidson County, over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Nashville is one of the best inland birding locations in the eastern United States due to its varied habitats and central location along migratory flyways. The city even earned the nickname “Birdistown USA” from ornithologist David Luneau for its incredible bird diversity.
Abundant Parks and Green Spaces
One of the main things that makes Nashville so attractive to birds is the abundance of high quality parks and green spaces. Nashville has over 150 public parks, including large wilderness parks like Percy and Edwin Warner Parks – over 3,300 acres of protected forested areas along the ridges north of the city. These parks provide forest and meadow habitats that support breeding Neotropical migrant songbirds in summer as well as migrating raptors and passerines in spring and fall.
Other major parks like Centennial Park, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and Radnor Lake State Park provide more habitats for wetland birds and waterfowl along rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands within the city limits. Nashville’s greenway and multi-use trail system also provides corridors of vegetation for bird migration and movement.
Backyard Habitats Help Urban Birds
In addition to large parks and natural areas, backyard oases also support thriving bird communities in Nashville’s neighborhoods. Native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants provide food and nesting sites for many bird species adapted to urban areas. Backyard feeders also sustain higher winter populations and help migrating and resident birds get the extra calories they need.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Nashville Area Songbird Initiative educates and encourages homeowners to create bird-friendly habitats. By providing natural food, water sources, cover and nesting places, Nashville residents can help sustain robust backyard bird populations.
Unique Bird Sightings in Nashville
While familiar resident birds are abundant, Nashville also sees some special visitors that bird enthusiasts eagerly flock to spot. Rare vagrants and birds far outside their normal range are observed annually, particularly during spring and fall migration. Some rare sightings in recent years include:
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Painted Bunting
- Vermilion Flycatcher
- Swainson’s Warbler
- Chestnut-sided Warbler
Nashville even hosted Tennessee’s first recorded Groove-billed Ani in 2020 – a tropical cuckoo typically found in Mexico, and far south of its normal range. Birders speculate Nashville’s diversity of habitats and food sources, combined with its prime location along migratory flyways, helps attract these rare birds.
Where to Go Birdwatching in Nashville
From sheltered riparian corridors along the Cumberland River to open meadows and forests in protected parks, there are many excellent spots to observe birds in Nashville. Some top birding locations include:
- Radnor Lake State Park – 1,000 acres of wetlands, oak-hickory forests, grasslands. Over 200 species observed.
- Percy and Edwin Warner Parks – Over 3,300 acres of forests with 10+ mile scenic loop trails. 270+ species.
- Sevenmile Island Natural Area – Riparian habitat along Cumberland River. 200+ species including migrating shorebirds.
- Bells Bend Park and Outdoor Center – 2,055 acre park with a diversity of habitats. Home to raptors and songbirds.
- Shelby Bottoms Nature Center – Wetlands and bottomlands along the Cumberland River. Hotspot for waterfowl and wading birds.
- Two Rivers Park – Diverse habitats and manicured lawns, meadows and wetlands that attract many species.
These are just a sample of the many excellent birding sites in and around Nashville worth exploring.
Annual Bird Festivals in Nashville
Due to its incredible bird diversity throughout the year, Nashville hosts various annual birding events and festivals. Some popular annual events include:
- Tennessee Ornithological Society Spring Meeting – Held each April/May with guided bird walks and outings for all experience levels.
- Global Birding Initiative – Weeklong event each April with workshops and birding trips led by guides.
- TN Value Birds Birding Festival – Held each September at various locations, field trips target sought-after bird species.
- Duck Duck Goose Festival – Celebrates waterfowl migration along the flyways, held in February.
These festivals cater both to casual bird enthusiasts as well as seasoned birders looking to grow their life lists. They also highlight the diverse regional and migrant species that pass through Nashville annually.
Threats Facing Nashville’s Birds
While Nashville provides excellent bird habitat, some threats put pressure on local bird populations. As the city rapidly expands and develops, remaining green spaces face being lost to construction. Pesticides reduce insect prey populations, and free-roaming cats take a toll on fledglings and nesting songbirds. Window strikes also result in millions of bird deaths annually across North America.
Organizations like the Tennessee Ornithological Society work to conserve local bird populations through outreach, education, and lobbying for policies that protect bird habitats. Creating backyard refuges, keeping cats indoors, and using bird-safe building materials can also help protect Nashville’s songbirds.
How to Get Involved with Nashville’s Bird Community
From novice bird lovers to expert ornithologists, there are many ways to engage with Nashville’s vibrant birding community. Some ideas include:
- Joining the Tennessee Ornithological Society (TOS) – Dedicated to study and conservation of Tennessee birds and habitats.
- Volunteering at the Seven Islands Birding Trail – Help maintain bird habitat and support conservation efforts.
- Visiting the Tennessee Bird Library – Browse reference books, recordings, learn about TN species.
- Attending meetings of the Nashville Chapter of the TOS – Meet fellow birders, hear guest speakers.
- Joining guided bird walks or outings with groups like Nashville Audubon or TN State Parks Birding Club.
- Sharing bird photos and information via Nashville birding groups on Facebook, listservs, and eBird.
Birding with local groups and experienced birders is a great way to improve ID skills while exploring Nashville’s beautiful parks and green spaces.
Conclusion
From urban forests to riparian corridors, Nashville provides diverse habitats that attract an incredible abundance and diversity of birds throughout the year. The city’s central inland location along major migratory flyways contributes to rare vagrant sightings as well. Outdoor enthusiasts can glimpse fascinating resident and migrant species by exploring Nashville’s many excellent parks and natural areas. Local conservation groups also unite bird lovers in appreciating, protecting and learning more about Nashville’s unique bird populations.