Melospiza

Melospiza
Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Passerellidae
Genus:	Melospiza Baird, 1858
Type species
Fringilla melodia A. Wilson, 1810
Species
See text

Melospiza is a genus of passerine birds formerly placed in the family Emberizidae, but now placed in Passerellidae. The genus, commonly referred to as "song sparrows," currently contains three species, all of which are native to North America.

Members of Melospiza are medium-sized sparrows with long tails, which are pumped in flight and held moderately high on perching. They are not seen in flocks, but as a few individuals or solitary. They prefer brushy habitats, often near water.

Species of Melospiza

Image	Scientific name	Common name	Distribution
	Melospiza lincolnii	Lincoln's sparrow	Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern and western United States
	Melospiza melodia	Song sparrow	Canada and the United States.
	Melospiza georgiana	Swamp sparrow	eastern North America and central Canada

See also

• American sparrows

References

• Sparrow characteristics

External links

• ITIS