Bird Guide

Nelson's Sparrow vs Seaside 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
Seaside Sparrow (Ammospiza maritima)

Seaside Sparrow

Ammospiza maritima

Small22 gWetland

Adults have brownish upperparts with gray on the crown and nape, and a grayish-buff-colored breast with dark streaks; they have a dark face with gray cheeks, a white throat, and a short, pointed tail. Birds show a small yellow streak just above the eye. A typical seaside sparrow lifespan in 8 to 9 years of maximum. The oldest record of seaside sparrow was an individual male which was at least 10 years old when recaptured and re-released during the banding operations in South Carolina.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: C. Ben Schwamb · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

Learn this pair in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

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