Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

The Fox Sparrow is a small brown passerine bird (Family:Emberizidae, Order: Passeriformes). The sparrow has a streaked belly and a thick and short finch-style bill. The color of the sparrow's plumage varies and many species or subspecies of the Fox Sparrow have been suggested. This Californian bird has a uniform dark-brown-colored back.

Among the three or four groups of fox sparrows, the 'Sooty' fox sparrows have uniformly dark-brown-colored backs and dark-brown streaked throats (*). The 'Sooty' fox sparrows have dark-gray legs and feet, reddish brown tails, and white eye-rings.

Lakeside Park, CA
2008-02-01

The sparrows were found feeding on the ground with golden-crowned sparrows (further right).