Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Fox Sparrow

Fox Sparrow
 The fox sparrow is a large sparrow that is found in North America. They breed across northern Canada, Alaska and the western United States. They winter in the southern United States and along the Pacific Coast. Here in Minnesota we only see them during migration. To me fox sparrows are a sign that spring is not far off. They are one of the earlier migrants that I see. Actually I usually hear them much more often then I see them. Fox sparrows often forage through the old leaf piles exposed by the melting snow searching for seeds and insects to eat.
Fox Sparrow
Fox sparrows get their common name from their red color which is similar to that of the red fox. The truth is however, that there are different variations of fox sparrows living in different geographical regions. There are people that do consider them 4 different species. Most fox sparrows are considered red fox sparrows. These are the brightest in color and found throughout most of Canada and Alaska. The sooty version of the fox sparrow are darker and more brown then red. They are found along the Pacific Coast of Canada and Alaska. The slate-colored fox sparrow has a gray head and back and are found in the Rocky Mountain Region. The final version is the thick-billed which have a thicker bill then the others and are found in California.



9 comments:

Roger Owen Green said...

What is this "spring you speak of?
ROG, ABCW

Kate said...

Lovely little creature that you photographed beautifully.

Susan Moore said...

Your photos are superb! I don't see too many sparrows here in Austin but when I visit Calgary I see some, hopping about collecting seeds and enjoying the birdbath.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Jeff Lovely shots. I have never heard of the Fox Sparrow and it was lovely to be able to see it in your photographs. let's hope you adn the sparrow are right about the spring

Joy said...

Beautiful plumage, who knew that brown could be so pretty.
Joy - ABC Team

Anonymous said...

that's a cute little sparrow

Sonja said...

Beautiful photos of this form..

Nydia said...

Beautiful shots! I love sparrows, we have so many of them here in Brazil! :)

Unknown said...

I just saw one in my garden in
Great Britain