Dusky Seaside Sparrow
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The dusky seaside sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus nigrescens, was once a non-migratory songbird common in Southern Florida, in the marshes of Merritt Island and along the St. John's River. However, when Merritt Island was flooded with the goal of reducing the mosquito population around Kennedy Space Center, the sparrows' nesting grounds were devastated, and their numbers plummeted. Later, the marshes surrounding the river were likewise drained, to facilitate highway construction; this was a further blow. Eventually, pollution and pesticides took such a high toll that by 1979, only six dusky seaside sparrows were known to exist — all of whom were males; a female was last sighted in 1975.
Five were captured and brought to the Walt Disney World Resort, to live out their days in a protected habitat on the Discovery Island nature reserve. By March 31, 1986, only one (named "Orange Band"), remained.
Despite being blind in one eye, Orange Band reached extreme old age for a sparrow, living at least eight years, and possibly as many as thirteen, before dying on June 17, 1987. The dusky seaside sparrow was officially declared extinct in December of 1990.
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Relevant Web Resources: Seaside Sparrow - Ammodramus Maritimus (Photo & Info) ... USGS ... Birds of Nova Scotia
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