Swamp Sparrow

The reddish cap might suggest a Chipping Sparrow, but this bird of the marshes is bigger and bulkier, a solitary skulker in dense cover. Swamp Sparrows are common in summer in cattail marshes and brushy swamps across the Northeast, Midwest, and much of Canada. In winter they live not only in marshes but also in thickets and weedy fields away from water. Although they often stay out of sight, they may be detected by their sharp callnotes, and they will come up to investigate a birder who makes loud "squeaking" sounds next to the marsh.