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ExploreBirds

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

The Swamp Sparrow is a small, brown bird that loves to live in wet areas like marshes and swamps. They have a sweet, chirpy song that can brighten your day!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Swamp Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow with a striking reddish-brown cap and streaked back. It has a plain gray face and unstreaked gray chest, distinguishing it from other sparrows with its clean, marsh-adapted look.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPasserellidaeGenusMelospiza

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

14

Interesting facts

Swamp Sparrows often use old nests from other birds as a base for their own.

Their chinstrap marking can change from dark to light during the year.

These sparrows sometimes build their nests right over water, anchored to plants!

Young Swamp Sparrows can actually swim a little if they fall out of their nests!

Special abilities

Ability

Wetland Weaver

Swamp Sparrows can weave sturdy nests low in dense marsh plants because this helps them hide eggs from predators in their watery habitat.

Ability

Marsh Master

Swamp Sparrows have long toes and claws that help them grip onto swaying reeds and move easily through soggy, muddy wetland environments.

Ability

Sweet Triller

Swamp Sparrows can sing a slow, musical trilling song that helps them communicate with other sparrows and claim their territory.

Measurements & details

Length
12-15 cm
Wingspan
18-20 cm
Weight
0.011-0.02 kg
Lifespan
2-7 years
Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
11-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds munch on seeds and crunchy insects found mostly in their wetland homes.

Primary Foods

  • grass seeds
  • sedge seeds
  • beetles
  • caterpillars
  • dragonfly larvae
  • spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Depends on

Broadleaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

Provides crucial nesting material and cover.

Eats

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Libellula pulchella

Eats larvae and adults of this dragonfly species.

Eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Eggs and chicks are prey for this snake.

Eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Adult Swamp Sparrows can be hunted.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Swamp Sparrow?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Swamp Sparrow?

12-15 cm

What is Swamp Sparrow's wingspan?

18-20 cm

How much does Swamp Sparrow weigh?

0.011-0.02 kg

How long does Swamp Sparrow live?

2-7 years

How fast can Swamp Sparrow move?

35 km/h

What does Swamp Sparrow eat?

These birds munch on seeds and crunchy insects found mostly in their wetland homes.

Where is Swamp Sparrow usually found?

Wetlands

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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"park", "hiking", "walking", "dog Friendly", "playground", "sports", "wildlife Viewing", "concerts", "family Friendly", "nature Trails"

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William O'Brien State Park

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