Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
The Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) is a robust and elusive bird known for its striking grey and brown plumage, often spotted foraging on the ground. Despite its widespread presence, it is a rare sight around Montreal, making each encounter a unique experience for bird enthusiasts.
🇫🇷 | Bruant fauve |
🇩🇪 | Fuchsammer |
🇲🇽 | Chingolo zorruno |
Taxonomy | |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
How to Identify
Fox Sparrows exhibit a distinctive pattern of grey, brown, and white plumage. Notably, this species features grey eyebrows and brown and grey stripes on the head.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Characteristics
Length | 15–19cm |
Weight | 26–44g |
Wingspan | 26.7–29cm |
Clutch Size | 2-5 eggs |
Incubation | 12-14 days |
Fledging | 9-11 days |
Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
Although it is said to be a common bird, I have only seen it once, near a feeder in Victoriaville, Quebec.