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Sparrows of North Dakota

Unstreaked Sparrows

5. Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana
Length-5 3/4 inches
BREEDING SPECIES

Closely related to song and Lincoln's sparrow but has no streaking on breast. Overall dark appearance with the top of the head a chestnut color, white throat and a light gray breast. Cheek is gray in adult birds. Wings are a reddish color. Sexes alike. Found north and east of the Missouri River in wetlands where water is ankle to waist deep. Uncommon and local. Feeds by wading in shallow water picking up insects and seeds of sedges, weeds and grasses. Often builds nest in cattail stalks. Nest made of dead marsh grasses.

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