The Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) is a medium-sized sparrow found throughout North America, well-known for its rich trills and preference for wetland habitats. Despite its subtle plumage, this species is a favorite among birders because of its distinctive song, secretive nature, and importance to wetland ecosystems.

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Physical Description

Swamp Sparrows are often described as “plain but elegant” sparrows. Key identification features include:

Size: About 5–6.5 inches (12–16 cm) in length.

Plumage: Gray face, reddish-brown wings and cap, brown streaked back, and a whitish throat.

Tail: Moderately long, often held upright.

Bill: Slightly longer and sharper than that of the closely related Song Sparrow, giving it a more pointed appearance.

The combination of a gray face, reddish cap, and unstreaked gray breast helps set it apart from other sparrows.

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Range and Habitat

The Swamp Sparrow primarily breeds in northern U.S. states and Canada, favoring wetlands, bogs, and marshes. During winter, it migrates south into the southeastern United States, with some populations extending as far as Mexico.

Breeding Habitat: Freshwater and brackish marshes with cattails, sedges, and grasses.

Winter Habitat: Brushy fields, damp thickets, and coastal wetlands.

Migration: Short- to medium-distance migrant, with peak movements in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October).

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Diet and Foraging

Swamp Sparrows have a diverse diet that changes seasonally: Summer: Insects, spiders, snails, and aquatic invertebrates.

Fall & Winter: Seeds and plant matter, especially from grasses and sedges. They are skilled foragers, often feeding at the water’s edge, and are not afraid to wade into shallow water to capture prey.

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Behavior and Song

One of the most distinctive traits of the Swamp Sparrow is its song: A musical trill, slower and richer than that of the Chipping Sparrow.

Males use the trill to defend territory and attract mates during the breeding season.

Calls include a sharp “tchip” often heard in dense vegetation. Behaviorally, they are usually shy, staying low in reeds and grasses, but will occasionally perch on cattails to sing.

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Breeding and Nesting

Nest Location: Built close to the ground or water in dense vegetation.

Nest Structure: Cup-shaped, made of grasses, sedges, and moss.

Clutch Size: Usually 3–5 eggs.

Parental Care: Both parents care for the young, and multiple broods may be raised in a singleseason. Because nests are near wetlands, flooding can be a significant threat.

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Conservation Status

The Swamp Sparrow is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, because it depends heavily on wetlands, habitat loss through drainage, development, and climate change poses long-term risks. Conservation of marshlands is essential for the species’ future.

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How to Spot a Swamp Sparrow

Visit marshes and wetlands, especially during spring and summer. Listen for its distinctive slow trill coming from cattail stands. Look for a small, brown sparrow with a gray face and reddish crown perched low in vegetation.

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Fun Facts About the Swamp Sparrow

Unlike most sparrows, it regularly wades in shallow water while foraging. Its trill is so distinctive that many birders identify it by sound alone. It is more common than many people realize, but often overlooked due to its secretive habits.