Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow

13 cm (5") Fairly common but secretive. Breeds in marshes and muskeg from northeastern British Columbia, Great Slave Lake to central Alberta, Montana, North Dakota and in salt marshes along James Bay and north Atlantic Coast; winters along southeastern Atlantic Coast.

Orange triangle on the face encompasses a gray cheek patch. Buffy breast and sides with some streaking. Told from Le Conte's Sparrow by its gray central crown stripe.

Song: trill preceded by chips; likened to hot metal being submersed in water.

Videos

Images

Credit: Teddy Llovet

Credit: Teddy Llovet

Credit: Bill Bouton

Credit: Matt Tillett

Distribution Maps

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow distribution map

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow winter distribution map