Dusky seaside sparrow (SciiFii)

The dusky seaside sparrow (Ammospiza maritima nigrescens) is a non-migratory subspecies of the seaside sparrow, found in Florida in the natural salt marshes of Merritt Island and along the St. Johns River. This subspecies was once extinct since the late-1980s-early 1990, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to Florida to help boost biodiversity. The dusky seaside sparrow adults have brownish upperparts with gray on the crown and nape, and a grayish-buff-colored breast with dark streaks; they have a dark face with gray cheeks, a white throat, and a short, pointed tail. Birds show a small yellow streak just above the eye. Their breeding habitat is salt marshes on the coasts of Florida. The nest is an open cup usually built in the salt marsh on tidal reeds and spartina grasses. Females lay two to five eggs. They forage on the ground or in marsh vegetation, sometimes probing in mud. They mainly eat insects, marine invertebrates and seeds. Their feeding areas are often some distance away from the areas they choose to nest. The conservation status of the dusky seaside sparrow is Near Threatened due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, thanks to the successful conservation efforts, the dusky seaside sparrow is making a comeback and is a protected species.