Melospiza georgiana
The Swamp Sparrow (*Melospiza georgiana*) is a small, secretive passerine of freshwater wetlands across eastern North America, instantly recognizable by its distinct rufous and gray plumage. Measuring 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 in) in length, with a wingspan of 17-20 cm (6.7-7.9 in) and weighing 14-25 g (0.5-0.9 oz), this species showcases a rich rufous cap, a contrasting gray supercilium and nape, and unstreaked gray underparts during breeding season. Its back is streaked rufous-brown, and its wings ...
Found almost exclusively in freshwater wetlands, including marshes, bogs, sedge meadows, and wet shrublands, typically at low elevations.
Primarily consumes insects and other invertebrates during the breeding season, shifting to a diet of seeds, especially sedges and grasses, in the fall and winter. Forages by gleaning from vegetation, ground-feeding in shallow water, and probing in mud.
Swamp Sparrows are diurnal, often skulking low in dense vegetation, preferring to walk or climb through tangles rather than fly. Foraging involves gleaning insects and seeds from mud, shallow water, and wetland plants, often probing with their bills. Males establish and defend territories with vi...
The Swamp Sparrow's breeding range spans eastern and central North America, extending from central and eastern Canada, through the Great Lakes region, New England, and south along the Appalachian Mountain range. During the non-breeding season, most populations migrate southward, primarily winteri...
Least Concern
- Swamp Sparrows are exceptionally adapted to wetland life; they will readily "swim" or dive short distances if necessary to escape predators. - Their song is often described as mechanical or motor-like, a rapid, monotonous trill that sounds like a sewing machine or a bouncing ball. - Unlike many...