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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A large, boldly striped sparrow of scrubby boreal forest and mountain chaparral, the Fox Sparrow is most familiar as a migrant or wintering bird. Its vigorous "double-scratching," kicking backward in ground litter with both feet to uncover food, often draws attention to its presence under a bird feeder.

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Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large sparrow, small songbird.
  • Heavily streaked chest.
  • Rusty tail.
  • Messy spot in center of chest.

Immature Description

Immature similar to adult.

Range Map Help

Fox Sparrow Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult red form

    Fox Sparrow

    Adult red form
    • © H. Mayfield/CLO