Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
(Ammodramus nelsoni)
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow has an
extremely limited range in Montana.
The species has only been observed in
eastern Sheridan and northeastern Roosevelt
counties. In Montana, this species prefers
freshwater wetlands with dense, emergent
vegetation or damp areas with dense
grasses. Conservation concerns include:
lack of monitoring or understanding; high
risk of extirpation from the state due to
small distribution; wetland destruction;
and parasitism by brown-headed cowbird.
Conservation strategies include: increasing
monitoring and surveying efforts, especially
at breeding sites; protecting areas where
species is found; restoring and protecting
wetlands; increasing management of grazing
regimes that promote healthy habitat; and
supporting research to better understand
natural relationship between host and parasite.
