Peucaea aestivalis
adult
Bachman’s Sparrow is endemic to southeast U.S.A. The sexes are similar but regional variation exists. Adults from the northeast and west of the species’ range have reddish-brown upperparts, the back feathers with gray margins that align to form lines. The head has a reddish brown crown with a pale central stripe, a gray supercilium and face, with a reddish-brown eye stripe and ear-covert margins. The underparts are mostly pale gray, but suffused orange-buff on the breast. Southeastern adults are similar but overall darker, with buff elements of the plumage replaced by gray. Juveniles are similar to their respective regional adults but with bolder streaking and spotting both above and below.
Bachman’s Sparrow is present year-round in its southeastern U.S.A. range. It is another secretive sparrow that is more inclined to creep through vegetation than to fly. The best chances of seeing it come in spring, when males sometimes sing from exposed perches.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6 in (15 cm)
FOOD Fallen seeds and some invertebrates
HABITAT Open grassy pine forests
STATUS Scarce resident and partial migrant
VOICE Song starts with a whistle, followed by a musical rattle. Call is a sharp tzip
