Fox Sparrow, Passerella iliaca

 Migration of the Fox sparrow

The Fox sparrow moves south in winter and down slope to avoid snow and to find food.

Sorry, this sparrow seems to be foxy.

Diet of the Fox sparrow

The fox sparrow eats primarily seeds but they also feed on arthropods and berries.

Nesting habitats used by the Fox sparrow

The Fox sparrow nests on the ground under cover of dense shrubbery.

Range of the Fox Sparrow

The Fox sparrow spends its winters west of the Sierra and summer east of the Sierras.

Habitat/ plant community used by the Fox sparrow

The fox sparrow likes bushy habitats. It will use chaparral and similar habitats as well as brushy areas under the forest canopy.

The Fox sparrow likes Manzanita.Chaparral

Redwood forest

Douglas Fir forest

Lodgepole Pine Forest

Riparian

How to attract the Fox sparrow to your garden

Domestic and feral house cats are very detrimental to the Fox sparrow as they nest on the ground and are easily preyed upon. The fox sparrow likes leaf litter to forage around in. Some of its favorite plants to inhabit are California native roses, Manzanita, Ceanothus and Chinquapin.

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