Swamp Sparrow Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A medium-sized sparrow with a short, conical bill, a compact, robust body, and a moderately long tail. The overall shape is quite similar to the widespread Song Sparrow.

  Relative Size

  Slightly larger than a Chipping Sparrow, slightly smaller than a White-throated Sparrow.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
    • Weight: 0.5-0.8 oz (15-23 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.1-7.5 in (18-19 cm)

  © Ryan Schain / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Swamp Sparrows look quite dark overall, especially in dim or shadowy habitats, where they often remain concealed. Closer views reveal a bright rusty crown and wings (especially the coverts), grayish breast with whitish throat, and gray nape.

• Behavior

  Swamp Sparrows perch and forage in vegetation near the ground or water surface, where their rather long legs—longer than those of Song or Lincoln’s Sparrows—enable them to forage well. They typically forage near the water’s edge or in brushy patches within the habitat.
• Habitat

  Swamp Sparrows are almost always seen near water, even during migration, although migrants sometimes use wet fields and brambles and other low, dense cover.