Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow © pinterest.com

Genus, as currently delimited, is probably polyphyletic. Molecular studies suggest that present species is in a clade with Seaside Sparrow (Ammospiza maritima), Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta) and Le Conte's Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii). Has hybridized with Le Conte's Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii). Until recently considered conspecific with Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta), but differs in its natural history. The two hybridize in north-eastern USA (southern Maine and northern Massachusetts). Precise ranges of the two on Atlantic coast not fully known, as references to "Sharp-tailed Sparrow" not always clear. Distinctive subspecies subvirgatus perhaps represents a distinct species. Further study is needed. Subspecies alter poorly differentiated from nominate.

The following 3 subspecies are recognised:

• nelsoni Allen, 1875   -  Breeds in Canada from north-eastern British Columbia and southern Mackenzie Seast through Alberta to central and southern Saskatchewan and central Manitoba, and in northern USA in north, western and south-eastern North Dakota, north-eastern South Dakota and north-western Minnesota. Winters on Pacific coast of south-western USA (California) and in extreme north-western Mexico (northern Baja California) and on Gulf Coast from Texas east to Florida Panhandle, also rarely south to Tamaulipas (north-eastern Mexico).
• alter (Todd, 1938)   -  Breeds in east-central Canada from northern Manitoba east to northern Ontario and western Quebec; probably winters on Gulf Coast of USA (west to Texas).
• subvirgatus Dwight, 1887   -  Breeds in south-eastern Canada (southern side of St Lawrence R in southern Quebec east to New Brunswick, Prince Edward I and Nova Scotia), and in north-eastern USA south to southern Maine and northern Massachusetts. Non-breeding on Atlantic coast south to South Carolina and northern Florida, casually north to New York.

Files:

More Information

BirdLife International For more information about the Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow see... BirdLife International Species Factsheet. Articles about the Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow If you would like to read any articles about the Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow... Show Articles (0) No Pictures of Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow If Birdpedia has no pictures of Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow or you would like to see more, then try the following...       From BING (10) No Videos of Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow If Birdpedia has no videos of Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow or you would like to see more, then try the following..       From BING (0) Where can I observe this species? Select an area (or leave blank) to see locations where this species has been recorded. Area   NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC YT NT NU   All    Optional: Complete the following if you wish to restrict the reserve to within a given distance of a location. Please enter the Latitude and Longitiude of a given location together with the maximum distance (km) to display a list of reserves within that distance. You must enter a Latitude, a Longitude and a distance greater than 0.   Latitude: (Decimal degrees takes precedence) Deg Min Sec     Decimal degrees (Include compass setting or value)          N S or   GPS help Longitude: (Decimal degrees takes precedence) Deg Min Sec     Decimal degrees (Include compass setting or value)          E W or   Find GPS using Google Maps Distance Bearing     N NE E SE S SW W NW Get Sample GPS readings On What Field Trips was this species observed? Select an area (or leave blank), and a date range, to see field trips on which this species has been recorded. Area   NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC YT NT NU   All    From To     Optional: Complete the following if you wish to restrict the reserve to within a given distance of a location. Please enter the Latitude and Longitiude of a given location together with the maximum distance (km) to display a list of reserves within that distance. You must enter a Latitude, a Longitude and a distance greater than 0.   Latitude: (Decimal degrees takes precedence) Deg Min Sec     Decimal degrees (Include compass setting or value)          N S or   GPS help Longitude: (Decimal degrees takes precedence) Deg Min Sec     Decimal degrees (Include compass setting or value)          E W or Distance Bearing     N NE E SE S SW W NW Get Sample GPS readings Latest Sightings for Nelsons Sharp-tailed Sparrow Select the Area to restrict the Sightings. Area   NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC YT NT NU   All