Swamp Sparrow

Overview

The swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) is a medium-sized New World sparrow related to the song sparrow. The species maintains a large and stable population size, though it is susceptible to habitat loss, particularly in coastal salt marshes.

Identification

• Adults feature streaked rusty, buff, and black upperparts, strikingly rusty wings, an unstreaked gray breast, light belly, and white throat.
• Most males and some females have rust-coloured caps, while a dark line runs through the gray face.
• A short bill and fairly long legs distinguish this medium-sized bird.
• The song is a monotone trill slower than that of the chipping sparrow, and the common call is a loud chip reminiscent of a phoebe.

Habitat

Breeding occurs in marshes, including brackish types, across eastern North America and central Canada. The range extends across the northern United States and boreal Canada, with a small subspecies found in tidal marshes from northern Virginia to the Hudson River Estuary. The species is migratory, primarily moving to the southeastern United States.

Diet

Swamp sparrows forage on the ground near the water's edge, in shallow water, or within marsh vegetation. Their winter diet consists principally of fruit and seeds, whereas during the breeding season they feed mainly on arthropods.

Did you know?

Females give a series of chips as they leave the nest, likely to ward off attacks by their mate or neighbouring males.