Swamp Sparrow Exhibit
Two different kinds of swamp sparrows are now on exhibit at the National Zoo, the southern swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana georgiana) which breeds from southern Canada to Maryland and winters in southeastern U.S.—and the coastal plain swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana nigrescens) which breeds along New Jersey to Virginia coast and winters along Virginia to the South Carolina coast.
The 2 kinds of swamp sparrows breed in 2 different habitats. Smithsonian Migratory Bird scientists study how and why coastal plain swamp sparrows raise their young in the salty tidal marsh—a harsher environment than the freshwater wetlands of the southern swamp sparrow.
Compare the Swamp Sparrows
| Southern | Coastal Plain | |
|---|---|---|
| Eyestripe | Brown | Black |
| Bill | Slimmer | Heavier |
| Feathers | Rusty-brown | Gray-brown |
Southern
Coastal Plain
Now that you are an expert at differentiating the 2 kinds of sparrows, why not try your hand at the quiz below?
