Swamp Sparrow
Melospiza georgiana
Swamp Sparrows are a species of secretive, medium-sized sparrows that primarily inhabit wet areas with thick vegetation. In Oregon, they are considered a rare to uncommon spring and fall transient and winter visitant, especially along the coast.
Overall Appearance (Both Male and Female):
Size: They are medium-sized sparrows, typically around 5.5 to 6.3 inches (14-16 cm) long with a wingspan of 8.7-9.1 inches (22-23 cm).
Coloration: Swamp Sparrows tend to look quite dark overall, which helps them blend into their dim, shadowy wetland habitats.
Wings: A key identifying feature is the bright rusty or reddish-brown coloration on their wings, particularly the wing coverts.
Underparts: They have a grayish breast and a whitish throat, and their breast is typically streak-free or has very fine, blurry streaks, especially in non-breeding plumage. This distinguishes them from other streaky sparrows like Song or Lincoln's Sparrows.
Face and Nape: They have a gray face and nape (back of the neck).
Crown (top of the head): This is where subtle differences can be observed.
Male Swamp Sparrow (Breeding Plumage):
During the breeding season, the male will develop a more prominently colored reddish or rusty crown patch compared to the female. The gray on their face and nape will also be more distinct.
They defend their territory and attract mates by singing from a raised perch, often the top of a cattail.
Female Swamp Sparrow (Breeding Plumage):
The female's crown patch will be present, but generally less vibrant and less defined than that of a breeding male.
Females are generally more secretive, especially around the nest.
Non-breeding/Immature Plumage (Both Sexes):
Outside of the breeding season, both sexes, and especially immature birds, will have a duller, plain brown crown with a pale central stripe, rather than the distinct reddish cap.
Their breasts may show some blurry streaking, but they still retain the neat white throat patch.
Habitat in Oregon:
In Oregon, Swamp Sparrows are almost exclusively found in **wetland habitats**. This includes:
Marshes: Especially those with dense, low vegetation like cattails, sedges, and grasses.
Brushy Swamps: Areas with thickets of alder or willow.
Wet, Weedy Fields: During migration, they may be seen in these areas.
They are skulking birds that often remain hidden in dense cover, making them a challenge to observe. Their distinctive call, a slow trill, is often the best way to detect their presence.
Overall Appearance (Both Male and Female):
Size: They are medium-sized sparrows, typically around 5.5 to 6.3 inches (14-16 cm) long with a wingspan of 8.7-9.1 inches (22-23 cm).
Coloration: Swamp Sparrows tend to look quite dark overall, which helps them blend into their dim, shadowy wetland habitats.
Wings: A key identifying feature is the bright rusty or reddish-brown coloration on their wings, particularly the wing coverts.
Underparts: They have a grayish breast and a whitish throat, and their breast is typically streak-free or has very fine, blurry streaks, especially in non-breeding plumage. This distinguishes them from other streaky sparrows like Song or Lincoln's Sparrows.
Face and Nape: They have a gray face and nape (back of the neck).
Crown (top of the head): This is where subtle differences can be observed.
Male Swamp Sparrow (Breeding Plumage):
During the breeding season, the male will develop a more prominently colored reddish or rusty crown patch compared to the female. The gray on their face and nape will also be more distinct.
They defend their territory and attract mates by singing from a raised perch, often the top of a cattail.
Female Swamp Sparrow (Breeding Plumage):
The female's crown patch will be present, but generally less vibrant and less defined than that of a breeding male.
Females are generally more secretive, especially around the nest.
Non-breeding/Immature Plumage (Both Sexes):
Outside of the breeding season, both sexes, and especially immature birds, will have a duller, plain brown crown with a pale central stripe, rather than the distinct reddish cap.
Their breasts may show some blurry streaking, but they still retain the neat white throat patch.
Habitat in Oregon:
In Oregon, Swamp Sparrows are almost exclusively found in **wetland habitats**. This includes:
Marshes: Especially those with dense, low vegetation like cattails, sedges, and grasses.
Brushy Swamps: Areas with thickets of alder or willow.
Wet, Weedy Fields: During migration, they may be seen in these areas.
They are skulking birds that often remain hidden in dense cover, making them a challenge to observe. Their distinctive call, a slow trill, is often the best way to detect their presence.