12/08/2024
Bird of the Month: Fox Sparrow
This December, we’re celebrating the Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca), a striking winter visitor to our area. These large, chunky sparrows are known for their richly patterned plumage, often with a warm reddish-brown (or "foxy") hue. Their streaky chest and robust bill make them easy to identify among the sparrow crowd.
Fox Sparrows are typically solitary ground foragers, often seen scratching vigorously in leaf litter with both feet to uncover seeds and insects. This distinctive "double-scratch" technique is a helpful clue to their identity.
While Fox Sparrows breed in northern forests or alpine thickets, they migrate southward to spend the winter in open woodlands, shrubby fields, and even backyard gardens. These adventurous birds have even been spotted in Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Germany, and Italy as vagrants either get blown off course during migration or hop aboard a ship for a transatlantic journey.
Look for them near the bird feeders or in areas with dense native shrubs at Seven Islands or listen for their soft "smack" calls as they hop through undergrowth. Though less vocal in winter, lucky visitors may also hear their sweet whistling melodies while visiting the park in winter.
To learn more about Fox Sparrows and other winter birds at Seven Islands, join us for an upcoming ranger-let program. https://tnstateparks.com/parks/events/seven-islands
