Fox Sparrow
Passerella iliaca · New World Sparrows
The Fox Sparrow is a robust New World sparrow, recognized for its varied plumage across its extensive North American range. This species is often observed foraging on the ground, where it employs a distinctive scratching technique. Its presence is frequently detected by its rich, whistling song, particularly in its breeding territories.
Explore the full field guidemigratorylarge sizemelodious songomnivorous diet
3 calls·first heard Jul 4·last 93d ago
When it's heardpeak 1p · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Coloration varies significantly by region, from foxy red in eastern populations to gray or dark sooty brown in western birds.
- Underparts are heavily spotted and streaked, often forming a messy central breast spot, though this can be less prominent in some western forms.
- Most forms exhibit a reddish or rufous tail, which can be a key identification feature.
- Possesses a strong, conical bill, often bicolored with a darker upper mandible and a yellowish lower mandible.