swamp sparrow

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of swamp sparrow

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15

Example Sentences

Some children say it is difficult to tell the plain gray-breasted swamp sparrow from the larger song sparrow with the streaked breast; but I am sure their eyes are not so sharp as yours.

From Birds Every Child Should Know by Blanchan, Neltje

Where rails thread their way among the rushes, and red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, and Maryland yellow-throats like to live, there listen for the tweet-tweet-tweet of the swamp sparrow.

From Birds Every Child Should Know by Blanchan, Neltje

Now it was the lullaby of the song sparrow or the swamp sparrow.

From The Wit of a Duck and Other Papers by Burroughs, John

It made me think of the swamp sparrow; and the swamp sparrow is far from being a great singer.

From A Florida Sketch-Book by Torrey, Bradford

In the meadows and low, wet lands the savanna sparrow is met with, and may be known by its fine, insect-like song; in the swamp, the swamp sparrow.

From Wake-Robin by Burroughs, John