Melospiza

Melospiza
Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passerellidae
Genus: Melospiza
Baird, 1858
Type species
Fringilla melodia[1]
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.

  1. ^ "Passerellidae". aviansystematics.org. The Trust for Avian Systematics. Retrieved 2023-07-16.