Its decline is thought to be from habitat loss. The Bachman's sparrow is a large sparrow with a large bill, and a fairly flat forehead. It has a long, dark rounded tail. The chest is gray and heavily streaked with chestnut or dark brown. The sides of the head are buffy-gray with a thin dark line extending back from the eye.
Juveniles have a distinct light-colored eye ring and dark streaked throat, breast and sides.
This sparrow is 5.75 inches in length and weighs 6.5 to 8 ounces. They are a secretive species except when protecting their territory. Birds of North America. Western Publishing Company. Life History Bachman's sparrows arrive in their northern nesting range in March or April.