Swamp Sparrow

The Swamp Sparrow, Melospiza georgiana, presents itself as a medium-sized New World sparrow, bearing a close kinship to the song sparrow. Observers will note the adult's streaked upperparts, a palette of rusty, buff, and black, contrasted with an unstreaked gray breast, a light belly, and a white throat. The wings are notably rusty. Males typically, and some females occasionally, display rust-colored caps. The face is predominantly gray with a distinct dark line through the eye, complemented by a short bill and fairly long legs. During the winter and in their immature state, these birds may exhibit two brown crown stripes, with much of the gray replaced by buff.

Identification Tips

To identify the Swamp Sparrow, look for the following characteristics:

• Length: 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm)
• Weight: 0.5-0.8 ounces (15-23 g)
• Wingspan: 7.1-7.5 inches (18-19 cm)
• Rusty, buff, and black streaked upperparts
• Unstreaked gray breast and white throat
• Rust-colored wings and, in many males, a rust-colored cap
• Gray face with a dark eye line
• Short bill and fairly long legs

Habitat

The Swamp Sparrow's preferred breeding habitat includes marshes, both fresh and brackish, across eastern North America and central Canada. They construct their bulky nests attached to marsh vegetation, often just above the ground or water surface, with leaves or grass arching protectively over the top.

Distribution

Breeding populations of Swamp Sparrows are found across the northern United States and boreal Canada, with the southern edge of their range aligning with the Line of Maximum Glaciation. A distinct subspecies inhabits tidal marshes from northern Virginia to the Hudson River Estuary, wintering in coastal marshes of the Carolinas.

Behaviour

Females are known to emit a series of chips when departing the nest, likely a defensive measure against potential threats from mates or neighboring males. Swamp Sparrows are migratory, with many moving to the southeastern United States outside the breeding season.

Song & calls

The Swamp Sparrow's song is a slow, monotone trill, distinguishable from the faster trill of the chipping sparrow. Males boast a repertoire of various trills. The common call is a loud "chip," reminiscent of a phoebe.

Diet and Feeding

Foraging habits of the Swamp Sparrow include ground feeding near water, wading in shallow water, or within marsh vegetation. Their diet shifts seasonally, from primarily fruit and seeds in winter to a diet rich in arthropods during the breeding season.

Conservation status

The Swamp Sparrow is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it is important to note that their numbers have experienced declines in certain areas due to habitat loss.