DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW Ammospiza nigrescens (Ridgway) 



Order; PASSERIFORMES Family: FRINGILLIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A dark colored sparrow-size bird of the coastal salt 

 marshes. Upper parts blackish, under parts heavily streaked with black, yellow line 

 between eye and bill , and white streak along jaw . 



Present distribution : Resident in salt marshes on Merritt Island, Florida, from Marsh 

 Bay south to Brock Creek, and on the mainland in the brackish marshes on the east side 

 of the upper St . Johns River west of Titusville south to Sharpe . 



Former distribution : Much more widespread on Merritt Island and possibly along the 

 St. Johns River. 



Status : Jeopardized because of very restricted salt marsh habitat which is being 

 continually reduced. 



Estimated numbers : Estimate in 1969, between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals. Most of these 

 are on the St. Johns River marshes with only about 80 on Merritt Island. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Usually 4 eggs per set. The species is double and, perhaps 

 sometimes, triple-brooded. 



Reasons for decline : Altering of habitat on Merritt Island by construction of impoundments 

 to insure flooding for mosquito control and on the St. Johns because of the proposed 

 changes of the Army Corps of Engineers, Central and Southern Florida Flood Control 

 District, and real estate development. 



Protective measures already taken : Part of the population is within the Merritt Island 

 National Wildlife Refuge. Studies have been made by Charles H. Trost, 1961-1963, and 

 Brian Sharp, 1968, which have determined the habitat requirements and remedial measures 

 necessary for correction of deteriorating habitat. Study of effects of experimental marsh 

 management on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are in progress . 



Measures proposed : Flood its former habitat on Merritt Island with salt water again to 

 restore the former vegetation and eliminate the brackish species that have intruded, 

 bringing new predators with them. Continue research on the status, distribution, life 

 history, and ecology of the species. The State of Florida pass legislation fully protecting 

 the bird. Establish a refuge or sanctuary for the species on the St. Johns River. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



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