Fox SparrowFox Sparrow -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 7 inches | Wingspan: 11 inches | Seasonality: Migrant |
| ID Keys: Large size for a sparrow, ground-scratching behavior, triangular spots on underparts | ||
Fox Sparrow
Passerella iliaca
The Fox Sparrow is a large, chunky bird which only visits South Dakota during migration. Somewhat shy birds, they strongly prefer thick vegetation, and are most often seen on the ground as they scratch for food items. There are a great many color variations depending on geographic area.
Habitat: Prefers brushy areas, primarily thick forest undergrowth. Can be found in suburban areas, but usually around well-vegetated areas.
Diet: Primarily feeds on seeds, especially during migration and the winter. In the summer, also feeds heavily on insects and spiders. May also occasionally feed on fruits and berries, and small marine life along the coasts.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song: Fox Sparrow Song
Migrations: Summers throughout Canada, Alaska, and higher elevations of the western United States. Winters throughout the southeastern United States, along the U.S. West Coast, the Southwest U.S., and Mexico.
Similar Species: Hermit Thrush
Feeders: Will attend feeders for scattered birdseed and bread crumbs.
Status: Generally stable, although counts in some regions show possible slight declines in recent decades
Further Information: 1) USGS
Patuxent
Bird Identification InfoCenter, Fox Sparrow
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Fox Sparrow"
Photo Information: November 4th, 2007 - Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Fox Sparrow photos.
Proud Member Of:
Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
