Birds, except for a few species, often remain hidden in thick forest where they are more often heard than seen by the casual visitor. The park supports about 200 species of birds, including about 70-80 which are present during the winter. Elevation affects birdlife, creating a situation in which one can expect to find birds in the high country which are typical of northern New England. Some birds migrate down the mountains during the winter to escape severe conditions on the high ridges. Dark-eyed juncos are an example. Species you are likely to notice are...

Dark-eyed Junco. These are the small, gray birds with white outer tail feathers (noticeable in flight) that frequent the parking lots at Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome.

Crow and Raven. Both of these species are black. The much-larger raven is rarely seen outside wilderness areas in the East. Crows "caw" but ravens "croak". You are not likely to see ravens unless you are in the high country.

Ruffed grouse may be encountered in the woods at almost any elevation. Without warning, they may explode from the leaves to wing off through the trees. Grouse are chicken-size ground-feeding birds and are mostly brown in color.

Wild turkeys are most likely to be seen in Cades Cove in open fields during the early morning and evening hours. Though these birds are wary, hikers may occasionally glimpse them too.