Fox Sparrow
A species of Fox Sparrows, Also known as Slate-coloured Fox Sparrow, Thick-billed Fox-sparrow, Fox-coloured Sparrow Scientific name : Passerella iliaca Genus : Fox Sparrows
Fox Sparrow, A species of Fox Sparrows
Also known as:
Slate-coloured Fox Sparrow, Thick-billed Fox-sparrow, Fox-coloured Sparrow
Botanical name: Passerella iliaca
Genus: Fox Sparrows
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Finiky from Kansas City, MO , USA , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Adults are among the largest sparrows, heavily spotted and streaked underneath. All feature a messy central breast spot though it is less noticeable on the thick billed and slate-colored varieties. Plumage varies markedly from one group to another. Measurements: Length: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm) Weight: 0.9-1.6 oz (26-44 g) Wingspan: 10.5-11.4 in (26.7-29 cm) 
Size
13 - 23 cm
Life Expectancy
9 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
2 - 5 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
12 - 14 days
Nestling Period
9 - 11 days
Feeding Habits
Fox Sparrow primarily feed on insects such as beetles, fly larvae, caterpillars, ants, bees, and scale insects during breeding season, using a 'double-scratch' method to uncover prey. They also consume spiders, millipedes, mollusks, seeds, fruit, and buds from various plants. Outside of breeding, fox Sparrow's diet is a more even mix of plant and animal matter.
Habitat
Fox Sparrow favor diverse habitats across North America, establishing territories in boreal and temperate shrublands, thickets, and forest edges. They exhibit an affinity for dense vegetation, breeding in regions adorned with spruce, fir, tamarack, aspen, birch, willow, and alder in the north. Some prefer streamside deciduous thickets, while others opt for brushy fields at higher elevations. With a propensity for scrub, chaparral, and riparian thickets, they select areas rich in undergrowth. During migration, they can be found foraging in open hardwood forests and swampy thicket habitats.
Nest Behavior
The female fox Sparrow typically constructs the nest solo within 2-3 days, occasionally in just a day. Egg-laying and specific parental care details remain unclear, reflecting a knowledge gap in fox Sparrow's nesting habits.
Nest Characteristics
Fox Sparrow build their nests on the ground, in bushes, or low tree branches, often sheltered by dense vegetation. Nest materials include twigs, bark strips, grass, moss, and lichens, with a lining of fine grass, rootlets, hair, feathers, and even fishing line. Sizes vary, but can be over a foot across.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Nyjer
Cracked Corn
Millet
Milo
Bird Feeder Type
Platform
Ground
Sounds
Song
Recording location: United States
Song
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Fox Sparrow typically engage in ground foraging tactics, shuffling through leaf debris to locate invertebrates as their key nourishment source. Their day is seldom marked by extended flights, preferring terrestrial navigation. Upon arrival in their breeding habitat, they assertively establish expansive territories, swiftly advancing to mate selection. Solitary tendencies or small group integrations are commonplace post-breeding, with interspecies mingling observed among sparrows. Predation threats stem from a variety of fauna, triggering fox Sparrow's to perform deceptive distraction displays to safeguard their progeny.
Photo By Finiky from Kansas City, MO , USA , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
New world sparrows Genus
Fox Sparrows Species
Fox Sparrow 
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