Fox Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
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11 hours ago
The Fox Sparrow is a large, robust sparrow with heavily streaked plumage, known for its powerful legs and characteristic two-footed scratching. It comes in a wide variety of subtly different regional forms.
Where to spot
Breeds across boreal forests and western mountains of North America (Alaska, Canada, western US). Winters widely across the southern and western United States and northern Mexico. Prefers dense thickets, forest edges, and riparian areas.
How to spot
Listen for its loud, melodious song during breeding season or its sharp 'chip' call. Observe its unique foraging technique: a vigorous two-footed backward scratch that uncovers food. Identify by its large size, robust build, and heavily streaked underparts, often with a central breast spot.
When to spot
Breeding season in summer (May-July). Migrates south in autumn (Sept-Nov) and north in spring (Mar-May). Active foragers throughout the day, often heard rustling in leaf litter.
Where to spot
Breeds across boreal forests and western mountains of North America (Alaska, Canada, western US). Winters widely across the southern and western United States and northern Mexico. Prefers dense thickets, forest edges, and riparian areas.
How to spot
Listen for its loud, melodious song during breeding season or its sharp 'chip' call. Observe its unique foraging technique: a vigorous two-footed backward scratch that uncovers food. Identify by its large size, robust build, and heavily streaked underparts, often with a central breast spot.
When to spot
Breeding season in summer (May-July). Migrates south in autumn (Sept-Nov) and north in spring (Mar-May). Active foragers throughout the day, often heard rustling in leaf litter.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This sparrow is named for its reddish-brown 'foxy' plumage, particularly on its tail and rump, which helps it blend into its woodland and scrubby habitats.
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