Bird · GBIF taxon 2491087
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Ammospiza caudacutaAlso known as Saltmarsh Sharp-Tailed Sparrow, Sharp-Tailed Sparrow
Saltmarsh sparrows spend their entire lives in a narrow strip of coastal tidal marsh, timing their nesting cycles precisely between monthly spring high tides. Females build cup nests low in saltmeadow cordgrass and raise young independently before the next extreme flood tide arrives. Rising sea levels increasingly drown these nests, creating an urgent conservation crisis for this specialized songbird.
CoastalSongbird
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Amphipods
- Spiders
Predators
- Garter snakes
- Minks
- Raccoons
ThreatsSea level rise, nest flooding, coastal development, marsh degradation
HabitatsCoastal salt marshes, tidal estuaries, cordgrass meadows
Life span3–6 years
Classification
- FamilyPasserellidae
- SpeciesAmmospiza caudacuta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a dark-streaked back, prominent buffy orange facial triad, grey cheek patch, and short pointed tail.
- Support conservation
- Stay strictly on established trails, refrain from playing audio recordings to attract them, and give marsh grasses wide berth.
Responsible observation
- Listen carefully: Listen for a faint, whispery song that sounds like a soft hiss or gurgle among the reeds.
- Stay on trails: Remain on boardwalks to avoid trampling sensitive high-marsh vegetation and hidden nests.
- Watch the tides: Plan observations around low tide when birds emerge onto exposed mudflats to feed.
Frequent Companion (c) tcantrell52, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) InAweofGod'sCreation, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nathan May, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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