Nelson's sparrow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nelson's sparrow |
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| At Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Missouri, United States | |
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Ammospiza
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nelsoni
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The Nelson's sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni) is a small bird found in the New World. It is a type of sparrow. This bird was named after Edward William Nelson, an American expert on nature. For a while, this bird and the saltmarsh sparrow were thought to be the same kind of bird. Because of this, it was briefly called the Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow.
Contents
What Does the Nelson's Sparrow Look Like?
This small bird has a unique appearance. It is easy to spot by its colors and size.
Size and Weight
- Length: About 4.3 to 5.1 inches (11 to 13 cm) long.
- Weight: Around 0.6 to 0.7 ounces (17 to 21 grams). This is about the weight of a few coins!
- Wingspan: Its wings can spread from 6.5 to 7.9 inches (16.5 to 20 cm) wide.
Colors and Markings
Adult Nelson's sparrows have brownish feathers on their upper body. Their head and the back of their neck are gray. Their chest is a creamy color with light stripes that are hard to see. Their throat and belly are white. They have a bright orange face with gray cheeks. Their tail is short and pointed.
Where Do Nelson's Sparrows Live?
Nelson's sparrows live in marshes. These are wet, grassy areas.
Breeding Areas
They build their nests in marshes along the Atlantic coast. This includes parts of Canada and Maine in the United States. They also live in central Canada, especially in the Canadian Prairies and a strip of land south of Hudson Bay. You can also find them in the north-central United States.
Nests and Young Birds
Their nest is shaped like an open cup. They attach it to plants close to the ground. Because their nests are so low, they can be affected by changes in their habitat. They are especially at risk from rising sea levels. Male sparrows compete to find a female partner. They do not defend a specific area of land. Sometimes, the males help feed the baby birds.
Migration Journeys
These birds migrate to warmer places for winter. They fly to the southeastern coasts of the United States.
What Do Nelson's Sparrows Eat?
Nelson's sparrows find their food on the ground or in marsh plants. They sometimes poke their beaks into the mud to find tasty treats.
Diet
They mainly eat insects. They also enjoy small creatures without backbones that live in water, called aquatic invertebrates. In addition, they eat various seeds.
What Does a Nelson's Sparrow Sound Like?
The call of a Nelson's sparrow is quite unique. It sounds like a rough trill. Some people say it sounds almost like a machine. Others compare it to the sound of a drop of water hitting a hot frying pan! They might make this sound while flying during the time of year when they are building nests and raising young.
See also
In Spanish: Ammodramus nelsoni para niños
