Scientific Name:   Passerella iliaca

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)

Nest:   Fox sparrows nest in wooded areas across northern Canada and western North America from Alaska to California. The nest is often on ground under dense cover of low shrubs. It is open cup made of grass, weeds, moss, lined with fine dry grass. Nests built above ground usually larger and more bulky, with more twigs used in outer walls.

Eggs:   2-5. Tends to lay fewer eggs in southern part of breeding range. Eggs pale green to greenish white, heavily blotched with reddish brown. Incubation is by female only, about 12-14 days.

Feeding Behavior:   They mainly eat seeds and insects, as well as some berries. Coastal fox sparrows may also eat crustaceans, scratching in the soil or snow, making a little forward jump and then scratching back with both feet at once. During breeding season, they eat many insects, including beetles, flies, true bugs, and others, also spiders and millipedes.

Young:   Both parents feed the nestlings. Young leave the nest about 9-11 days after hatching.

Range:   Fox sparrows are a generally common bird within their range. They forage by scratching the ground which makes them vulnerable to cats and other predators. Most populations of Fox sparrows migrate north for breeding, however some stable populations exist along the west coast of North America.

Brief 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 and are generally rust-brown above with a mix of rust and gray on the head, and heavy brownish splotches on the flanks and the center of the chest. The bill can range from yellowish to dark gray.