Seaside Sparrow Identification

Seaside Sparrow Adult (Atlantic)
Adult (Atlantic)

Medium-sized, hefty sparrow with a long bill. Atlantic populations have a bright yellow stripe in front of the eye and are grayer below with faint streaking. Note rusty wing patch.

© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, May 28, 2012
Seaside Sparrow Adult (Gulf of Mexico)
Adult (Gulf of Mexico)

Gulf of Mexico populations have a yellow stripe in front of the eye and a buffy chest with obvious streaking. Note long bill.

© Andy Jordan | Macaulay LibraryTexas, December 23, 2015
Seaside Sparrow Adult (Gulf of Mexico)
Adult (Gulf of Mexico)

Found in tidal marshes with dense areas of marsh grass. Sings a soft buzzing song that sounds like a distant Red-winged Blackbird.

© Benjamin Clock | Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, June 20, 2010
Seaside Sparrow Juvenile (Atlantic)
Juvenile (Atlantic)

Juveniles are buffier than adults, with a pale eyebrow. Juveniles also lack the rufous patch in the wing.

© Marshall Iliff | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, July 24, 2016
Seaside Sparrow Juvenile (Gulf of Mexico)
Juvenile (Gulf of Mexico)

Juveniles have only a hint of the yellow stripe in front of the eye. Note long bill.

© fide R.Smith | Macaulay LibraryFlorida, September 17, 2016
Seaside Sparrow Habitat
Habitat

Breeds in tidal marshes.

© Mark R Johnson | Macaulay LibraryMaryland, June 26, 2016
Seaside Sparrow Adult (Gulf of Mexico)
Adult (Gulf of Mexico)

Gulf of Mexico populations have obvious streaking on the back and a buffy chest with dark streaks.

© Laura Keene | Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, November 14, 2016
Seaside Sparrow Adult (Atlantic)
Adult (Atlantic)

Medium-sized sparrow with a long bill. Atlantic populations have a grayish belly with indistinct streaking and a yellow stripe in front of the eye. Note rusty wing patch.

© Ian Davies | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, May 28, 2012
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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.
Relative Size

Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 5.1-5.9 in (13-15 cm)
    • Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (19-29 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm)