Are There Eagles in Nashville?
Yes, bald eagles are present in Nashville, especially during fall and winter months. These raptors have made a remarkable comeback in Tennessee after near extinction. The Cumberland River and J. Percy Priest Lake provide ideal habitat. While downtown sightings are uncommon, winter visitors and some resident pairs now patrol the region's waterways.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 23, 2026.
Red-shouldered Hawk · Stosh Morency CC BY
Red-shouldered Hawk · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Bald Eagle · Mark Jefferson Lawrence CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 410,003
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- December, January, November
- peak months
Yes, eagles are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:
What eagle sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Swallow-tailed Kite · flight call
0:05River Lakes Conservation Area near Viera, Brevard Co, Florida · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC169364
Northern Harrier · call
0:05Whitewater Draw WA, near McNeal, Cochise Co, Arizona · © Paul Marvin CC BY-NC-SA · XC164241
Cooper's Hawk · alarm call
0:06Cape Coral Public Library · © Dany Sloan CC BY-NC-SA · XC859371
Verified species, source iNaturalist
12 types of eagles recorded in Tennessee
12 eagle species have a verified observation record in Tennessee across the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
12,184 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in Tennessee, most often in December, January, November.
When eagle are recorded in Tennessee
Yes, bald eagles are present in Nashville, especially during fall and winter months. These raptors have made a remarkable comeback in Tennessee after near extinction. The Cumberland River and J. Percy Priest Lake provide ideal habitat. While downtown sightings are uncommon, winter visitors and some resident pairs now patrol the region's waterways.
Where Eagles Live Around Nashville
Bald eagles in the Nashville area concentrate along waterways where they can hunt and roost. J. Percy Priest Lake, located just northeast of the city, has become a reliable spot for eagle activity, especially from November through March. The Cumberland River as it flows through and around Nashville provides another prime habitat corridor. In the broader metro area, eagles can be found near lakes like Radnor Lake to the south and along creek systems in Davidson, Williamson, and Rutherford counties. Suburban neighborhoods with large trees adjacent to water, particularly in areas like Belle Meade and the river areas, offer occasional sightings. For more information about Tennessee's eagle populations, consult thestatewide eagle guidewhich documents habitat zones and population trends. Downtown Nashville and heavily urbanized zones rarely see eagles, but they are becoming more common in the outer suburbs and protected natural areas.
When to See Eagles in Nashville
Eagles follow a seasonal pattern in the Nashville region. Fall migration begins in September and October as birds from northern areas move south. This continues through winter, with December through February being peak viewing months when the population is highest. Some pairs remain year-round as residents, nesting and hunting in established territories. Spring migration sees eagles moving back north from March through April, reducing local numbers. Summer is the least likely time to spot eagles in Nashville, as most breeding pairs are in more northern regions or isolated areas. For the most current seasonal updates, check theTennessee wildlife guidewhich tracks activity patterns monthly. Storms and cold snaps in winter can concentrate eagles near open water where they hunt. Water conditions matter: frozen lakes reduce eagle activity, while open water during mild winters makes them more active.
How to Identify a Bald Eagle
Bald eagles are unmistakable once you know what to look for. Adults display the iconic white head and tail contrasting sharply with a dark brown body. Their massive yellow beak and yellow feet complete the distinctive look. These are large birds with wingspans reaching up to 7.5 feet. Young eagles lack the white head and tail, appearing almost entirely brown for the first few years, which often causes confusion with golden eagles and large vultures. Bald eagles sit upright on perches, not hunched like vultures. In flight, they hold their wings flat and level, not in a dihedral like turkey vultures do. Their calls are high-pitched whistles or chirps, not the deep croaks of ravens. When fishing, they can seem to hover briefly before diving. The combination of size, white head on adults, and yellow feet distinguishes them from all other Nashville raptors.
Best Places to Spot Eagles Near Nashville
J. Percy Priest Lake remains the single best location for eagle viewing in the Nashville region. The lake's size, fish population, and protected areas make it attractive to wintering eagles. Early morning visits offer the highest success rate. The Priest Lake Wildlife Area has observation points and parking areas. The Cumberland River from downtown north toward the Sumner County line offers good viewing, especially from public boat ramps and bridge overlooks. Radnor Lake State Park south of Nashville provides excellent habitat with trails and viewing areas. The lake's protected status and fish populations support occasional eagles. Lock and Dam areas along the Cumberland River concentrate fish and therefore eagles. Shelby Park and other large Metro Parks with water features sometimes host eagles during migration. Sunrise hours are best because eagles hunt actively in early morning. For comprehensive wildlife information, consult thewildlife viewing guidewhich covers regions nationwide.
Eagle Behavior and Hunting
Bald eagles are ambush hunters that spend much of their time perched high in tall trees overlooking water. They watch for fish movement, then dive at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour to snatch prey from the surface. Fish make up about 90 percent of their diet, particularly in areas like the Cumberland River and J. Percy Priest Lake. They also hunt waterfowl, including ducks and geese, and occasionally take small mammals. Eagles are strong but not invincible. They can overextend themselves trying to capture large fish and occasionally drown if prey is too heavy. Learn more aboutTennessee's predator populationsby visiting the state wildlife resource. Pairs are often seen together, especially during breeding season. They vocalize with distinctive high-pitched calls that carry across water. During migration, eagles can be seen circling on thermal currents, conserving energy while traveling. Roosting sites are crucial to survival; eagles return to favorite trees night after night, especially on the coldest evenings.
Staying Safe Around Eagles
Bald eagles are protected by federal law and pose no threat to humans. They are naturally wary and will leave long before people get close. If you encounter an eagle while hiking or fishing, simply enjoy the view from a distance and allow the bird to depart undisturbed. Do not approach, corner, or attempt to feed any wild eagle. Keep dogs and cats indoors, as young, desperate eagles might mistake small pets for prey, though this is extremely rare. Remove access to dead animals in your yard, which might attract eagles and concentrate them in one area. If you find an injured or deceased eagle, contact Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rather than handling it yourself. Report illegal killing or harassment of eagles to TWRA. Eagles at your property can indicate healthy water systems and abundant fish. These sightings should be celebrated as a sign of environmental recovery and restoration success, asTennessee wildlife protectiondemonstrates.
Birds Confused with Bald Eagles
Young bald eagles in their first few years of brown plumage are most often misidentified. Immature eagles resemble golden eagles at a glance, though golden eagles have feathered legs while immature balds have bare legs. Turkey vultures circle overhead with dark plumage and can seem eagle-like from distance, but they hold their wings in a V-shape while soaring, not flat. Their heads are small and red on close inspection. Large hawks like the red-tailed hawk are abundant around Nashville but are much smaller with banded tails and shorter wingspans. Explore theeagle guideto learn about how to distinguish raptors in Tennessee. The osprey shares fish-hunting habits and is present seasonally, but has a distinctive white underside and smaller size. Great blue herons and great egrets are waterside birds but are very different shapes with long legs and necks. Crows and ravens are sometimes mistaken for young eagles by inexperienced observers, but size comparison makes identification clear. Learning field marks prevents disappointment during bird watching trips around water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Nashville eagles nest? Bald eagles build massive stick nests in tall trees near water. Some pairs nest in the Nashville area year-round, while others move in from northern states for winter. Do eagles stay in Nashville year-round? Yes and no. Wintering populations are present October through March, while summer is quieter. A few resident pairs nest and stay throughout the year. Can I see eagles from downtown Nashville? Downtown sightings are rare because eagles prefer areas with less human activity and more accessible hunting. Travel to J. Percy Priest Lake or the Cumberland River for better odds. Are bald eagles endangered now? Bald eagles are no longer listed as endangered but remain federally protected. Their recovery has been one of conservation's great successes. Why do eaglets look brown instead of white? Young eagles lack the white head plumage until about five years of age, which causes many misidentifications. This dark phase can last years, making them hard to recognize.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see eagle in Tennessee: December, January, November
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your eagle sighting in Tennessee
410,003 verified eagle records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Obed Wild & Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Ensley Bottoms--Greater Ensley Bottoms · 321 species recorded
- Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) · 316 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit · 314 species recorded
- Shelby Farms Park--Conservancy/Penal Farm · 296 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Refuge Rd. Wildlife Loop · 286 species recorded
- Tennessee NWR--Big Sandy Unit · 284 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Keep exploring
More places to see eagle
More wildlife in Tennessee