Bachman's Sparrow
Peucaea aestivalis
Found in the southeastern United States Look in open pine savannas, especially l… 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
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
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.