Status and Distribution
Uncommon spring and fall migrant, with a very small over wintering population.

Range
3 subspecies –
A. n. subvirgatus breeds along Eastern Canadian coast and into Maine
A. n. alterus breeds around Hudson and James Bay
A. n. nelsoni breeds from Northwest Territories (Canada) to Minnesota
Winters along southern Atlantic coast and Gulf coasts. Some hardy ones may winter as far north as New Jersey

Best locations
In New Jersey…..Tuckerton Marshes (at the end of Great Bay Blvd) where all 3 subspecies are possible during fall migration.

Best time to see them
October to early November when they are join resident and migrants Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows.

History / Records
A few scattered records east of the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania. Some records consist of a dozen or more in one location, but mainly along the Susquehanna in October. In Delaware there are just a few fall records - probably overlooked as there is suitable habitat.