Seaside Sparrow
NameSeaside Sparrow
Common NameSeaside Sparrow
Scientific NameAmmospiza maritima
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark olive-gray to brownish with heavy dark streaking. The head is grayish with a distinctive yellow lore (area between eye and bill) and a faint yellow supercilium (eyebrow). Underparts are whitish with blurry dark streaking on the flanks and breast, and a clean white throat. The bill is relatively long and pointed.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a buzzy, insect-like sound, often described as 'chip-chip-cheeeeee' or 'psss-tseee', often given from an exposed perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America, from southern New Hampshire south to Florida and west along the Gulf Coast to southern Texas.
Identifying Featuresstreaky brown and gray plumage, yellow lore and supercilium, white throat, long, pointed bill, exclusive to salt marshes
Description
A medium-sized, streaky sparrow, the Seaside Sparrow is a secretive inhabitant of coastal salt marshes. It typically forages on the ground or low in marsh vegetation, often remaining hidden.
