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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Seaside Sparrow

Ammodramus maritimus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A drab sparrow with a short tail and a large bill, the Seaside Sparrow is a salt marsh specialist.

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Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small, stocky songbird.
  • Dark, olive-gray all over.
  • Yellow spot in front of eyes.
  • White throat.
  • Black whisker mark.
  • No wingbars.

Immature Description

Breast, sides, and flanks buffy, variably streaked with dusky; belly white.

Range Map Help

Seaside Sparrow Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult breeding
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    Seaside Sparrow

    Adult breeding
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Chambers County, Texas, April 2000

Similar Species

  • Saltmarsh and Nelson's sparrows slightly smaller, more distinctly marked on head and body, with the entire face orangish.
  • Savannah Sparrow has striped head and notched tail.