swamp sparrow

noun

1. a North American sparrow, Melospiza georgiana, inhabiting marshy areas.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swamp sparrow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

Sampling hundreds of swamp sparrows in the Eastern U.S., researchers found 160 different syllable types were involved in the sparrows’ repertoire that persisted in similar patterns for decades.

From Salon

Fifteen species of common birds, including swamp sparrows and dark-eyed juncos, made up the majority of the specimens.

From Washington Post

I see more swamp sparrows as we get closer.

From Literature

Certain motifs in swamp sparrow songs can last hundreds, even thousands of years—evidence of a cultural tradition in the birds.

From Scientific American

Some people can trace their traditions back decades; the swamp sparrow has passed its songs down for more than 1500 years.

From Science Magazine