Breeding Location:
Forests, coniferous, Forest edge, Bushes, shrubs, and thickets, Mountains
Breeding Type:
Monogamous, Solitary nester
Breeding Population:
Uncommon to fairly common
Egg Color:
Pale green with red brown markings
Number of Eggs:
2 - 5
Incubation Days:
12 - 14
Egg Incubator:
Female
Nest Material:
Lichen, roots, bark, leaves, twigs, grass, feathers, and animal fur.
Migration:
Migratory
Recommended Products:
General
Fox Sparrow: Large, chubby sparrow that varies from dark brown or gray-brown in the west to rich rufous in the east; upperparts may be so dark that back pattern is difficult to discern. Underparts are heavily streaked, converging at midbreast into a large, dark spot. Tail is slightly notched and tinged rust-brown. Heavy bill has dark upper mandible and yellow lower mandible. Sexes are similar.
Range and Habitat
Fox Sparrow: Breeds from the Aleutians and mainland Alaska east to northern Quebec and Maritimes, and south to southern California and Colorado. Preferred habitats include thickets and edges of coniferous, mixed, or second-growth forests or chaparral.
Breeding and Nesting
Fox Sparrow: Two to five pale green eggs, marked with red brown, are laid in a thick-walled cup of leaves, grass, and moss, and concealed in vegetation on or near the ground. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.
Foraging and Feeding
Fox Sparrow: Diet consists of seeds, fruits, berries, insects, spiders, millipedes, and small snails. Forages by double-scratching on the ground and digging small holes by kicking backwards with claws and feet.
Readily Eats
Sunflower Seed, Commercial Mixed Bird Seed
Vocalization
Fox Sparrow: Sings a lively song that opens with one or more clear whistles followed by several short trills or "churrs." Call is a sharp "chink."
Similar Species
Fox Sparrow: Hermit Thrush has a red-brown tail, slender bill, and lacks streaks on back and large central breast spot.
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