(Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi), is a non-migratory sparrow subspecies found only along the coast of southern California and northern Baja California. Belding’s range is narrowly restricted to saltwater marsh habitats dominated by pickleweed (Salicornia virginica). Recognized as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife).
Belding’s places its nest in dense marsh vegetation, on or near the ground, concealed from above. Pickleweed, shore grass, and saltwort are its preferred nest plants, and nesting success is higher where the plants are denser and taller. Belding’s Sparrow was one of the species whose eggs were most avidly sought by early collectors.