swamp sparrow

Sampling hundreds of swamp sparrows in the Eastern U.S., researchers found 160 different syllable types were involved in the sparrows’ repertoire that persisted in similar patterns for decades.

Fifteen species of common birds, including swamp sparrows and dark-eyed juncos, made up the majority of the specimens.

I see more swamp sparrows as we get closer.

Certain motifs in swamp sparrow songs can last hundreds, even thousands of years—evidence of a cultural tradition in the birds.

Some people can trace their traditions back decades; the swamp sparrow has passed its songs down for more than 1500 years.