fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 6.25 inches

• Conical bill with yellow lower mandible

• Very large sparrow

• Thick malar streak

• Heavy spotting below

• Extremely variable plumage across range

• Sexes similar

Eastern United States:

• Gray crown, nape and back

• Bright rusty rump and tail

• Rusty brown cheeks, malar streak, streaks on back, wings and spotting     below

Western United States:

• Dark brown to gray upperparts

• Wings and tail sometimes same color as back, sometimes browner

• Bill size very large in one race

• Spotting underneath usually very dark

Similar species:

The fox sparrow is much larger than other sparrows and might at first
be mistaken for a thrush but note the thick, conical bill.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Successional-scrub
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-5
Length of Incubation: 12-14 days
Days to Fledge: 9-11
Number of Broods: 2
Diet: Mostly seeds; lesser quantities of insects and fruit

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May U
      Su - Summer: June, July, August
      Fall: September, October, November U

      Winter: December, January, February U

 

 

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