Watercolor portrait of Seaside Sparrow (Ammospiza maritima)

Seaside Sparrow

Ammospiza maritima
This species occurs along the Atlantic a… Seaside Sparrows live in salt and bracki… Localized Buzzy marsh song

Learn to identify the Seaside Sparrow by ear. Master the "chip-chip... zzzzzrrr" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“chip-chip... zzzzzrrr”

What the Seaside Sparrow sounds like

This marsh sparrow looks dipped in olive, gray, and brown, with a yellow glow in front of the eye. It sneaks through saltmarsh grass like a mouse, then pops up to give a dry, buzzy song over the tide.

“chip-chip... zzzzzrrr”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A few thin introductory notes tumble into a dry, sizzling buzz. It sounds like a sparrow borrowing a tiny kazoo from a grasshopper. Often written as “chip-chip... zzzzzrrr”.
Don't confuse with:The Saltmarsh Sparrow — usually shows richer orange tones on the face and breast.

Where you'll hear it

Seaside Sparrows live in salt and brackish marshes along tidal creeks, mud edges, and broad flats of cordgrass or needlerush. They stick close to dense, low vegetation where they can hide fast.

Spring and early summer are the easiest times to find them, when males climb stems and sing across the marsh. In winter they turn quiet and secretive, often staying buried in the grass unless flushed.

Similar species

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Usually shows richer orange tones on the face and breast.

Nelson's Sparrow

Smaller and brighter, with a more orange face and a neat, finely marked breast.

Savannah Sparrow

Shows a stronger striped back, whiter underparts, and a more open-country look.

Seaside Sparrow song FAQ

What does a Seaside Sparrow sound like?
A few thin introductory notes tumble into a dry, sizzling buzz. It sounds like a sparrow borrowing a tiny kazoo from a grasshopper. Listen for the "chip-chip... zzzzzrrr" phrase.
How do I tell a Seaside Sparrow from a Saltmarsh Sparrow by sound?
Saltmarsh Sparrow: Usually shows richer orange tones on the face and breast.; Has heavier, crisper streaking below and less of a clean white throat.; Often looks warmer and buffier overall than the grayer Seaside Sparrow..
When is the best time to hear a Seaside Sparrow?
Spring and early summer are the easiest times to find them, when males climb stems and sing across the marsh. In winter they turn quiet and secretive, often staying buried in the grass unless flushed.