Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

✨ Shiny — winter rarity
Winter only — roughly November through March✨ Shiny — winter rarity

The take

The big rusty sparrow kicking leaves like a towhee under the winter thicket.

How to ID it

  • Large chunky sparrow, rust-brown above with rust-and-gray head (Red form)
  • Heavy brownish splotches on the flanks and center of the chest
  • Kicks leaf litter away with both feet while foraging under cover

Field marks at a glance

Size
small
Head
mixed rust and gray
Call
loud smack

Where & when

Winter only — roughly November through March

Learn more

Sources