It is managed as an important resting, feeding, nesting and wintering area for migratory birds along with providing habitat for many resident wildlife species. Of the 23 species of ducks using the refuge, mallards are the most common, followed by wigeon, black ducks and blue-winged teal.
Wood ducks are common and nest on the refuge.
The refuge bands more than 1,000 wood ducks each year, which is more than any other refuge or agency in the nation and very important to the management of the species. Tennessee Refuge winters the largest population of Southern James Bay Canada geese, one of the most imperiled population of geese on the North American continent. The refuge is a major wintering and nesting area for the threatened bald eagle, and an important nesting and migration route for migratory neotropical birds. The National Wildlife Refuge System is working to ensure that facilities and programs are accessible to visitors. Please contact the refuge office for information about accessibility at this unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System.