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Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow

Ammodramus caudacutus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable

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Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A secretive bird with skulking habits and a barely audible song, the Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow is restricted to salt marshes of the Atlantic and upper Gulf coasts.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows

Adult Description

  • Small, stocky songbird.
  • Orange-yellow face.
  • Gray ear patch.
  • Streaked breast and flanks.
  • Short, rounded tail with pointed tail feathers.

Immature Description

Juvenile rich buffy across face and chest, chest and flanks with dark streaks.

Range Map Help

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow very similar, but has more buffy chest with blurry dark streaks; coastal form lacks white stripes down back.
  • Seaside Sparrow larger, grayer, less strongly marked, with small yellow patch in front of eyes.
  • Savannah Sparrow has striped head and notched tail.
  • Le Conte's Sparrow with white central crown stripe, purplish spots and streaks on nape, and small grayish face patch.