Bachman’s Sparrow
© Danny Bales
The Bachman's Sparrow is a year-round resident of mature, open pine forests. They can be difficult to see most of the year, as they hide in dense ground cover such as saw palmettos and wiregrass. It is easiest to spot them between March and August, when the males are singing. On warm winter days, they may sing even in January. Listen for their “here, kitty, kitty, kitty” calls. Bachman’s Sparrow feeds on insects and seeds. Apalachicola National Forest and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area are reliable sites to search for this elusive sparrow.
For more information, including a range map and sound recording, visit whatBird.com's Field Guide to Birds of North America.
Recommended GFBWT sites:
- Apalachicola National Forest: Wright Lake
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Blackwater River State Forest: Hutton and
Karick Lake Units - Colt Creek State Park
- Goethe State Forest
- Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park
- Jennings State Forest
- Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest and Wildlife Management Area
- Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area
- Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
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Withlacoochee State Forest: Citrus Tract
Bird's habitat
They are found in pine flatwood communities and often hide in dense ground cover such as saw palmettos and wiregrass.
