Nelson's Sparrow

Overview

Nelson's Sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni) is a small New World sparrow that was formerly considered a single species with the saltmarsh sparrow. It is a migratory bird found in marsh environments across North America.

Identification

• Length ranges from 11–13 cm with a weight of 17–21 g.
• Adults display brownish upperparts with gray on the crown and nape, paired with a cream-colored breast, white throat and belly, and gray cheeks.
• Features an orange face and a short, pointed tail.
• Produces a raspy trill that sounds mechanical and has been likened to a drop of water hitting a hot fry pan.

Habitat

Breeding occurs in marshes along the Atlantic coast of Canada and Maine, the Canadian Prairies, a coastal strip on the south of Hudson Bay, and the north-central United States. Populations migrate to the southeastern coast of the United States.

Diet

These birds forage on the ground or in marsh vegetation, sometimes probing in mud. Their diet consists mainly of insects, aquatic invertebrates, and seeds.

Did you know?

Mating is largely promiscuous among both sexes, resulting in multiple paternity being common within a single nest.