bachman's sparrow Peucaea aestivalis

Rare and declining sparrow found in longleaf pine woodlands with grassy or brushy undergrowth. Usually quite secretive. Look for unstreaked grayish-tan underparts, rufous and gray pattern on back and wings, and rufous cap and eyeline. Similar to Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrow but no range or habitat overlap. Population west of Mississippi River brighter buffy below. Usually found singly. Easiest to detect when singing; listen for two-parted song, a thin whistle followed by a musical junco-like trill. Subsequent phrases usually differ in pitch.