Melospiza is a genus of passerine birds in family Emberizidae. The genus, commonly referred to as "song sparrows," contains currently three species, all of which are native to North America. They include the Lincoln's Sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii, Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia and the Swamp Sparrow, Melospiza georgiana.
Members of Melospiza are medium-sized sparrows with long tails, which are pumped in flight and held moderately high on perching. They are not seen in flocks, but as a few individuals or solitary. They prefer brushy habitats, often near water.
