Open Nests on the Ground 
the sandy ground near the swamps, where it may be seen running 
in and out among the coarse grass, more like a mouse than a bird. 
Great care should be observed in identifying the nests, as they 
may easily be mistaken for the nests of the seaside sparrow, both 
birds generally breeding near each other in the same swamp. 
The eggs of the sharp-tailed sparrow are somewhat smaller and 
more finely marked ; the nest is usually placed where it is rather 
drier ; it is also more bulky. 
The breeding season lasts from May to late July, two broods 
being reared during that period. The young may be found until 
well into August. 
550. Seaside Sparrow: Ammodramus maritimus (Wils.) 
Adult—General appearance dusky gray ; upper parts grayish ; tail 
brown with narrow, sharply pointed feathers ; throat and 
breast gray, slightly streaked with darker gray ; belly white, 
shading into gray at sides ; light yellow patch in front of eye 
and at bend of wing ; the toes are rather long, and the bill is 
long and slightly thicker than the sharp-tailed sparrow’s, 
though much the same shape. Length—6.oo. 
Breeding Range—Along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina 
northward, rarely on the coast of Massachusetts. 
Nest, resembling closely that of the sharp-tailed sparrow, only 
not so bulky, placed on the ground in or near brackish or salt water 
swamps, built of reeds and grasses lined with fine grass. Usually 
4 eggs are laid; they are white or whitish, finely speckled with 
light reddish brown and lilac. Size—.80 x .63. See Fig. 11, 
Plate B. 
All that has been said of the sharp-tailed sparrow applies 
equally to these lovers of the sea-coast. In exceptional cases the 
nests are said to be found arched over. 
550a. Scott’s Seaside Sparrow: A. m. peninsulz Allen 
This is a southern sub-species of the seaside sparrow, being 
found from the more northern parts of Florida on the Atlantic 
coast to South Carolina, and on the Gulf coast from Florida to 
Texas. The most noticeable difference is in the dark streaks on 
46 
