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Submitted by allison_kenlan_5542 on

Adopt the saltmarsh sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

Imperiled according to NatureServe

Habitat: Coastal saltmarshes

Diet: Insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates; occasionally seeds and grains

Behavior: Active during the day, forages from the ground or grass stems

The saltmarsh sparrow is a small bird that inhabits salt marshes along the Atlantic coast of North America. Although its brown plumage can be difficult to distinguish against their marsh habitat, in the breeding season, this sparrow sits up on perches and sings its distinctive song. The saltmarsh sparrow is the only bird species that breeds solely in the salt marshes of the northeastern United States, and it has a tenuous relationship with the habitat it calls home. High tides and storm surges can flood saltmarsh sparrow nests, causing frequent reproductive failure. Unfortunately, these weather events are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change. As a result, populations are estimated to have declined almost 90% in the last twenty years.

Learn more on NatureServe Explorer  

Photo by David Larson.

What You'll Get With Your Adoption

For a contribution of $25 or more, you are helping to protect our precious biodiversity. Your adoption will help update the featured species on NatureServe Explorer with an image and a description. You will receive a certificate of adoption, an Adopt-a-Species sticker, and a digital wallpaper of your species. Plus, next year you can vote on the new featured species for adoption!

Adopt a species for yourself or a loved one! Adoptions can be great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or holidays. When you gift a species, you’ll have the option to send the recipient a note letting them know of your thoughtful gesture. 

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