Swamp Sparrow

15 cm (6") Fairly common. Canada (east of Rockies), northeastern United States. Breeds in tall vegetation (cattails, bushes, tussocks) in marshes, wet meadows, bogs, streams.

Rufous crown. Gray face. White throat. Gray breast. White belly. Rufous wings with no wing bars. Winter adult is buffier with a gray central crown stripe. Pumps tail in flight.

Song: a trill similar to Chipping Sparrow's; calls include a "zee" and a metallic "chip".

Videos

Distribution Maps

Swamp Sparrow distribution map

Swamp Sparrow winter distribution map