Bird Guide

Nelson's Sparrow vs Saltmarsh Sparrow

Nelson's Sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni)

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

Small15 gWetland

Measurements: Length: 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm) Weight: 0.6–0.7 oz (17–21 g) Wingspan: 6.5–7.9 in (16.5–20 cm) Adults have brownish upperparts with gray on the crown and nape, a cream-colored breast with light or indistinct streaking and a white throat and belly; they have an orange face with gray cheeks and a short pointed tail.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Nelson's Sparrow
Recorded by Beth Cottam · Song · McPail Slough, Kidder County, North Dakota, United States · CC0
Photo: Vicki Miller · CC0
Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta)

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

Small19 gWetland

The saltmarsh sparrow measures 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in) in length, has a wingspan of 17.8–21 cm (7.0–8.3 in), and weighs 14–23.1 g (0.49–0.81 oz). Adults have brownish upperparts with a gray nape, white throat and belly, and pale orange breast and sides with brown streaking. The face is orange with gray cheeks, a gray median crown stripe, brown lateral crown stripes, and a brown eyeline. The tail feathers are short and sharply pointed. The subspecies A. c. diversa has more contrasting striping on its back and a darker crown than the nominate A. c. caudacuta. Only males sing.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Clay Gibbons · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Nelson's Sparrow and Saltmarsh Sparrow.