Similar Species
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Adult
Saltmarsh Sparrows are smaller than Seaside Sparrows. They are buffier and less gray overall than Seaside Sparrows, which tend to look quite dark.
© Evan Lipton | Macaulay LibraryRhode Island, July 05, 2014Similar Species
Nelson's Sparrow
Adult
Nelson's Sparrows are smaller with a shorter bill than Seaside Sparrows. They have a buffier wash on the face and breast than Seaside Sparrows.
© Luke Seitz | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, February 01, 2014Similar Species
Savannah Sparrow
Adult (Belding's)
Savannah Sparrow (Belding's) have a smaller bill than Seaside Sparrows. They tend to be paler brown overall especially on the face and neck, which are gray on Seaside Sparrows.
© Greg Gillson | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 30, 2014Similar Species
Savannah Sparrow
Adult (Savannah)
Savannah Sparrows have a smaller bill than Seaside Sparrows. They tend to be paler brown overall especially on the face and neck, which are gray on Seaside Sparrows.
© Kirk Swenson | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, November 11, 2016Similar Species
Song Sparrow
Adult
Song Sparrows are plumper with a rounder head and shorter bill than Seaside Sparrows.
© Steven Mlodinow | Macaulay LibraryWashington, December 28, 2010Main Species
Seaside Sparrow
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, 2012Adult (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, 2015Adult (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, 2010Juvenile (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, 2016Juvenile (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, 2016Adult (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, 2016Adult (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