A small streaky sparrow restricted to Atlantic coastal salt marshes. Critically declining due to sea-level rise. Highly specialized — couldn't adapt to other habitats.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
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.
Source: Wikipedia — Saltmarsh sparrow Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Orange-buff face triangle around a gray cheek, crisp dark streaking on the breast and flanks, and a flat-headed, sharp-billed profile.
Similar species. Nelson's Sparrow overlaps and hybridizes but has blurrier breast streaking and a grayer back; identification can be very difficult.
Voice. A soft, wheezy, gasping hiss with little musical quality.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Seeds (primary), insects (especially during breeding).
Behavior. Restricted to Atlantic tidal marshes, where it nests just above the high-tide line — a precarious strategy making it highly vulnerable to sea-level rise. Forages secretively in cordgrass.
§ Range
Atlantic coast salt marshes
§ Habitat
Salt marshes only
§ Threats
Sea-level rise, salt marsh loss, coastal development.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the saltmarsh sparrow is currently classified as Endangered.
§ What helps
Support salt marsh conservation. Donate to USFWS recovery.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Saltmarsh sparrow
- www.fws.gov — authoritative profile of Ammospiza caudacuta
- IUCN Red List — search for Ammospiza caudacuta
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Ammospiza caudacuta
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
