Nelson's Sparrow
Learn to identify the Nelson's Sparrow by ear. Master the "tss-kzzzz-tik" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Nelson's Sparrow sounds like
A tiny, secretive sparrow of wet marshes, Nelson's Sparrow glows with a warm orange face, a neat gray cheek, and crisp streaks down the chest. It usually stays low in the grass, then suddenly pops up for a quick look before vanishing like a mouse through the reeds.
“tss-kzzzz-tik”
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
Look for it in coastal salt marshes, wet meadows, and shallow freshwater marshes thick with sedges and grasses. It likes places that feel soggy, tangled, and a little hard to walk through.
They're easiest to find during migration and winter high tides, when rising water pushes them into view. On the breeding grounds, males sing from low stalks but still spend lots of time hidden in cover.
Similar species
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Usually has a stronger face pattern with a darker cheek patch and less clean gray on the face.
LeConte's Sparrow
Also has an orange face, but usually shows a finer, more delicate look with a bold pale stripe down the crown.
Seaside Sparrow
Larger and bulkier, with a longer bill and a duller, grayer face overall.