Backyard Birds of Knoxville

Neighborhood Coordinator

Debbie Sharp
[email protected]
(865) 215-3232

400 Main St., Room 546
Knoxville, TN 37902

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White-breasted NuthatchWhite-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)
Common feeder bird who got his name due to a habit of jamming large nuts or acorns into tree barks, and hitting them with its bill to "hatch" out seeds inside of them.
Northern MockingbirdNorthern Mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos)
The official state bird of Tennessee, often seen in backyards. It sings almost endlessly, and will actively harass birds that impedes on its territory.
Red-bellied Woodpecker  Red-bellied Woodpecker
(Melanerpes carolinus)
Not to be confused with the red-headed
woodpecker, a much rarer species. May be able to attract them with feeders if near wood patches.
Eastern bluebird Eastern Bluebird
(Sialia sialis)
Due to conservation efforts over the years, it's even more likely now to attract this bird to yards if food is offered or if there are nest boxes present.
Tufted Titmouse Tufted Titmouse
(Baeolophus bicolor)
Frequent visitor of deciduous forests and feeders, especially during winter. Prefers sunflower seeds but will eat suet, and peanuts.
Carolina Wren Carolina Wren
(Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Very abundant in patches of woods during the summer. Will visit suet-filled feeders during winter.
American Robin American Robin
(Turdus migratorius)

Common on lawns, often seen digging
earthworms out of ground. 
Northern Cardinal Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)
Very common and conspicuous non-migratory bird known for visiting any feeder. Prefers sunflower seeds.
American Goldfinch American Goldfinch
(Spinus tristis)
Abundant little bird easily found at feeders with sunflower or thistle seeds. Attracted to native thistles and milkweed.
Carolina ChickadeeCarolina Chickadee
(Poecile carolinensis)
Occasionally known to nest in tubes or boxes. Put sawdust or wood shaving in them if you want to attract a pair.
Blue Jay Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)
Common, large songbird known for its intelligence and fondness for acorns. Prefers tray or hopper feeders on posts.
Downy Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker
(Dryobates pubescens)
Familiar sight in parks, and  backyard feeders. Often seen balancing on tiny branches foraging. 

Sources:
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
eBird