An eastern North American sparrow, but breeds in the northeast corner of B.C. Migrates south to the southern states and into Mexico. Birds that breed in B.C. typically journey southwards to the east of the Rockies. Almost an annual migrant in the Lower Mainland. Sometimes will winter on the coast. Only seven records for the checklist area to date. Likes marshy habitats.
Similar species:
Song Sparrow and LIncoln’s Sparrow are similar. Swamp Sparrow is similar in size and shape to Lincoln’s Sparrow. Note Swamp Sparrow’s lack of defined streaks on breast and flanks and rufous wings. Makes a kind of hard-metallic ‘chip’ call.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Sibley, D. (2000)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 31-Oct-2012 | Cheam Lake Wetlands, Popkum | G. Gadsden | One on Loop Trail. Photographed. First record for the park. |
| 30-Sept-2012 | Chilliwack Lake Road near Tamihi Bridge, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | In among Song and Lincoln's Sparrows near small pond. Photographed. |
| 07-Dec-2011 | Lakemount Road, Abbotsford | G. Gadsden, E. Klassen | Possibly two. Across from gun club property. Last seen Dec 19, 2011. Photographed. |
| 02-Nov-2010 | Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | Had a very short tail; likely in the middle of replacement. |
| 28-Oct-2010 | Thacker Regional Park, Hope | G. Gadsden | Calling frequently in marsh. Photographed |
| 10-Oct-2008 | Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve, Chilliwack | B. and J. Clayton | Seen also on Oct 11, 2008 and well photographed. |
| Late fall, 2002 | Camp River Slough, Chilliwack | D. Bastaja | Field notes lost. |
Photos
