ExploreBirds

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

The Saltmarsh Sparrow is a small bird that loves to live in marshy areas. It has a beautiful brown and gray color and sings sweet songs while hopping around in the grass.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Saltmarsh Sparrow is a small, streaky brown bird. It has a distinctive bright orange-buff face and breast, with a grey crown and dark streaks on its flanks. Its short tail and subtle markings help it blend into marsh grasses.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPasserellidaeGenusAmmospiza
Saltmarsh Sparrow
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Saltmarsh Sparrow

Category

Birds

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male Saltmarsh Sparrows sometimes help feed chicks that are not even their own.

Saltmarsh Sparrows build their speedy nests in just a few hours between high tides!

Their simple, buzzy song sounds like a soft 'sis-sis-sis-tchoo' to keen listeners.

You can only find these unique sparrows living in salty wetlands along the Atlantic coast.

Special abilities

Ability

Tide Timer Nesting

Saltmarsh Sparrows build nests quickly just above high tide marks, helping their eggs stay safe from rising waters.

Ability

Salty Sips

Saltmarsh Sparrows can drink saltwater, thanks to special glands that remove extra salt, allowing them to thrive by the sea.

Ability

Marsh Camouflage Master

The Saltmarsh Sparrow has perfectly streaked feathers that help it disappear into the tall, swaying marsh grasses.

Measurements & details

Length
11-14 cm
Wingspan
18-20 cm
Weight
0.012-0.022 kg
Lifespan
2-9 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
11-12 days
Migration Distance
500 km

Diet & Feeding

Tiny marsh birds that mostly eat small insects and spiders, but also enjoy seeds.

Primary Foods

  • fiddler crabs
  • spiders
  • grasshoppers
  • beetles
  • marsh seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

hunts them while flying low over the marsh.

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

preys on nests and birds during low tide.

eats

Fiddler Crab

Uca pugnax

forages for small crabs in the marsh mud.

depends on

Smooth Cordgrass

Spartina alterniflora

uses this abundant marsh grass for nesting and shelter.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Saltmarsh Sparrow?

11-14 cm

What is Saltmarsh Sparrow's wingspan?

18-20 cm

How much does Saltmarsh Sparrow weigh?

0.012-0.022 kg

How long does Saltmarsh Sparrow live?

2-9 years

How fast can Saltmarsh Sparrow move?

35 km/h

What does Saltmarsh Sparrow eat?

Tiny marsh birds that mostly eat small insects and spiders, but also enjoy seeds.

Where is Saltmarsh Sparrow usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Saltmarsh Sparrow hunt?

Foraging

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