Publication Date
12-1-2010
Abstract
I summarize observations on postures and displays used by juvenile and adult Seaside Sparrows (Ammodramus maritimus). Some displays, like carrying material, were only known to be practiced by adults during territorial disputes. I collected photographic documentation showing juveniles carrying material (debris, stems and feathers) during aggressive encounters. I also collected data on juvenile Seaside Sparrows manipulating natural and artificial objects and agonistic encounters. I describe a behavior in which juveniles carry materials such as debris or feathers, one of which was 16 cm long. I describe food items consumed by Seaside Sparrows during late summer/fall. These included a large quantity of halophyte plant parts, leaves and fruits of Suaeda linearis and leaf tips of Batis maritima. Comfort movements are also described including the only documented record of Seaside Sparrow sunbathing. I present photographic material showing in detail how Seasides Sparrows collect uropygial gland secretion. Two leucistic individuals are described.
Creative Commons License
Recommended Citation
Bartosik, Mark B.
(2010)
"Observations of Seaside Sparrow
(Ammodramus maritimus) on Texas Gulf Coast,"
Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society: Vol. 43:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tos_bulletin/vol43/iss1/4