About the Saltmarsh Sparrow
The saltmarsh sparrow is a small New World sparrow found in salt marshes along the Atlantic coast of the United States. At one time, this bird and the Nelson's sparrow were thought to be a single species, the sharp-tailed sparrow. Because of this, the species was briefly known as the "saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow." Saltmarsh sparrow numbers are declining due to habitat loss largely attributed to human activity.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Saltmarsh Sparrow lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see the Saltmarsh Sparrow
Peak activity in July · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
LeConte's SparrowAmmospiza leconteiiLeConte's sparrow is a small sparrow with a relatively large head, short grey bill and short pointed tail.
Nelson's SparrowAmmospiza nelsoniMeasurements:
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.
Seaside SparrowAmmospiza maritimaAdults 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.
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