Sharp-tailed Sparrows

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Saltmarsh and Nelson's Sparrows are two of my all-time favorite sparrow species, and, to be honest, two of my favorite birds . They used to be considered one species, "Sharp-tailed Sparrows.  However, they have plumage differences, different calls, and different breeding ranges, so in 1995 they were split into two species. But here in Florida during the winter time, they can be found together, and Shiloh Marsh, which is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, is my favorite place to photograph these wonderful birds.

On cool, crisp, windless and sunny mornings they'll often pop up into the open to be seen, especially shortly after sunset.  Later in the day, I've been told they're nearly impossible to find, since they stay hidden in the marshes.

Saltmarsh Sparrow
Can you find a sparrow prettier than these? I used to think of sparrows as brown and drab birds, but the more I began to see Ammodramus Sparrows, the more I began to appreciate the beauty of these wonderful birds. Saltmarsh Sparrows generally have flatter heads and longer bills than Nelson's, and they have more heavily streaked under parts with less orange coloration.

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Nelson's Sparrow 
I sometimes think that Nelson's Sparrows are even prettier than Saltmarsh.  It's really a toss up for me, though.  I suppose really I like best the one I'm looking at at the time. Nelson's Sparrows have rounder heads and smaller bills, and the streaking on the underparts is far less distinct.

Nelson's Sparrow

Nelson's Sparrow

Nelson's Sparrow