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.
Region
Atlantic Coast of the United States
Typical Environment
Breeds in coastal salt and brackish marshes from southern Maine south through New England and the Mid-Atlantic to roughly Virginia. Winters farther south along the Atlantic seaboard to Florida and locally along parts of the Gulf Coast. Prefers high-marsh zones dominated by saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) and other dense graminoids, often near tidal creeks and pannes. Nests are placed just above typical high-tide levels, making them vulnerable to flooding during perigean tides and storms. The species avoids urbanized shorelines and highly fragmented marshes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This secretive sparrow is tightly tied to tidal salt marshes and often times nesting attempts to the lunar tidal cycle. Females provide all parental care and build nest cups in high marsh grasses that are frequently at risk from storm surge and rising seas. Formerly lumped with Nelson’s Sparrow as the “sharp-tailed sparrow,” it was split based on differences in range, plumage, and voice.
A newly hatched saltmarsh sparrow and eggs in nest
Saltmarsh sparrow chick
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats in low, fluttering flights over marsh vegetation
Social Behavior
Breeding is largely promiscuous, with no long-term pair bonds; females alone build nests, incubate, and feed young. Nests are placed in dense high-marsh vegetation and may be covered with a canopy of grasses. Outside the breeding season, birds may forage in loose groups but remain wary and close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, hissy, insect-like buzz interspersed with sharp chips, often delivered from low perches within marsh grasses. Calls include high, sibilant tseet notes that can be hard to locate in windy marsh conditions.
Plumage
Streaked brown upperparts with fine blackish and rufous striping; underparts pale with dusky streaking on breast and flanks. Face shows warm orange-buff wash with contrasting gray nape and auricular area, and a pale central crown stripe. Wings and tail are dusky with subtle edging; overall appearance is crisp and neatly streaked.
Diet
Feeds on insects, spiders, amphipods, and other small invertebrates gleaned from vegetation, wrack lines, and the marsh surface. Also takes seeds of marsh grasses and forbs, especially outside the breeding season. During high tides, it may forage along the edges of tidal creeks and pannes where prey is concentrated.
Preferred Environment
High-marsh zones with dense saltmeadow cordgrass and mixed halophytes, often near slightly elevated hummocks and wrack. Frequently forages along creek margins, drift lines, and among mats of dead vegetation where invertebrates are abundant.
