Watercolor portrait of Bachman's Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis)

Bachman's Sparrow

Peucaea aestivalis
Local Rich whistled song

Learn to identify the Bachman's Sparrow by ear. Master the "tea-sip, tea-sip, tssss!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tea-sip, tea-sip, tssss!”

What the Bachman's Sparrow sounds like

A shy, warm-brown sparrow of southeastern pinewoods with one of the loveliest songs in the South. Most of the time it stays hidden in grass and low shrubs, then suddenly climbs up to sing a clear, sweet whistle.

“tea-sip, tea-sip, tssss!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A sweet, clear series of whistles that often ends in a soft trill or buzzy flourish. It carries beautifully through open pinewoods at dawn. Often written as “tea-sip, tea-sip, tssss!”.
Don't confuse with:The Field Sparrow — field sparrow has a plain face with a bold white eye-ring.

Where you'll hear it

Found in the southeastern United States. Many birds stay year-round in the Deep South, while birds near the northern edge may move short distances in winter.

Look in open pine savannas, especially longleaf pine with a grassy understory. It also uses brushy clearcuts, old fields, and recently burned pinewoods.

Spring is the magic window. Males sing most at dawn from low pines, shrubs, or wires; by fall and winter they are much quieter and easier to miss.

Similar species

Field Sparrow

Field Sparrow has a plain face with a bold white eye-ring.

Grasshopper Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow is shorter-tailed and more compact.

Henslow's Sparrow

Henslow's Sparrow has a greenish face and heavy streaking below.

Bachman's Sparrow song FAQ

What does a Bachman's Sparrow sound like?
A sweet, clear series of whistles that often ends in a soft trill or buzzy flourish. It carries beautifully through open pinewoods at dawn. Listen for the "tea-sip, tea-sip, tssss!" phrase.
How do I tell a Bachman's Sparrow from a Field Sparrow by sound?
Field Sparrow: Field Sparrow has a plain face with a bold white eye-ring.; Its bill is pink, not grayish and two-toned.; It lacks Bachman's rich rufous crown and dark rufous eyeline..
When is the best time to hear a Bachman's Sparrow?
Spring is the magic window. Males sing most at dawn from low pines, shrubs, or wires; by fall and winter they are much quieter and easier to miss.