Fox Sparrows are medium-sized sparrows that breed in Canada and Alaska and migrate south for the winter. They are secretive birds that prefer brushy areas, but they will visit feeders for food, especially during migration and winter.
Quick Answers
Do Fox Sparrows visit feeders? Yes, Fox Sparrows will visit bird feeders, especially during migration and winter when natural food sources are more scarce.
What do Fox Sparrows eat at feeders? Fox Sparrows enjoy eating small seeds at feeders, particularly millet and fine sunflower seeds or chips.
What is the best bird feeder to attract Fox Sparrows? Platform feeders or hopper feeders placed on or near the ground are best to attract Fox Sparrows.
What food should I put out for Fox Sparrows? Fill feeders with millet, fine sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and other small seeds that Fox Sparrows prefer.
Do Fox Sparrows visit feeders year round or only during migration/winter? Fox Sparrows are primarily winter feeder visitors, stopping by feeders while migrating and during winter months.
Overview of Fox Sparrows
The Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) is a large, chunky sparrow approximately 6.5-9.5 inches in length with a wingspan around 10-13 inches. They have a thick bill suited for crushing seeds and brown streaky plumage on their breasts. Their wings and back are rufous colored. They have an unstreaked gray face and breast. Their song is melodious and flute-like.
There are four subspecies of Fox Sparrows:
- Red Fox Sparrow – breeds in northwestern North America
- Sooty Fox Sparrow – breeds in coastal Alaska
- Slate-colored Fox Sparrow – breeds across northern Canada
- Thick-billed Fox Sparrow – breeds in central Canada
Fox Sparrows breed in thickets and young forests across Canada, Alaska, and the western United States. They migrate in the fall to wintering grounds in the southern and eastern United States. Their winter range extends along the Pacific Coast and across the southern states. Fox Sparrows are very rare vagrants to Europe and Asia.
Do Fox Sparrows Visit Bird Feeders?
Yes, Fox Sparrows will visit bird feeders. They are most likely to visit during migration and winter when their natural food sources like insects and seeds are scarcer. Backyard bird feeders can provide a valuable supplemental food source for migrating and wintering Fox Sparrows.
Fox Sparrows prefer to forage by scratching leaf litter on the ground to uncover insects, seeds, and fruit. They are shy, so they may not be easily visible right next to busy feeders. But they will gladly come in to take advantage of an easily accessible meal from feeders.
The availability of food at feeders helps provide Fox Sparrows with the energy they need during migration or for surviving cold winter temperatures and snow cover. Feeders may also attract Fox Sparrows to areas where they can then find additional natural foods nearby.
Seasonal Visits
Here is when Fox Sparrows are most likely to visit feeders:
- Fall: Fox Sparrows stop at feeders in fall during their southward migration from September to November.
- Winter: They are regular feeder visitors throughout the winter from December to March.
- Spring: They may stop at feeders again in April and May during their northward migration.
- Summer: Fox Sparrows are not present and do not visit feeders during the summer breeding season.
So the key times to have your feeders stocked for Fox Sparrows are during the fall and spring migrations and winter months. They especially appreciate easily accessible food during severe winter weather when snow covers ground food sources.
What Do Fox Sparrows Eat at Feeders?
Fox Sparrows will readily eat small seeds at your feeders. Good options to attract them include:
- Millet – one of their favorite seeds
- Fine sunflower seeds or chips
- Nyjer thistle
- Cracked corn
- Safflower
- Proso millet
They prefer small seeds they can quickly ingest. Their short, conical bills allow them to crack open seeds, but they don’t do as well with large seeds.
Platform feeders or hopper feeders are best, as they provide easy access to the small seeds Fox Sparrows like. You can also scatter millet or fine sunflower seeds on the ground nearby.
In addition to seeds, Fox Sparrows will eat:
- Fruit like raisins, currants, apple bits
- Suet and peanut butter mixes
- Mealworms and other insects from feeders
- Cracked corn
Providing a variety of different seed and fruit options will appeal to Fox Sparrows’ tastes and attract them to your feeders.
Recommended Feeders for Fox Sparrows
The best bird feeders to attract Fox Sparrows are:
- Platform feeders
- Hopper feeders
- Ground feeders
- Low platform feeders
Platform and hopper feeders allow easy access for the Fox Sparrows to grab small seeds. Place them on or close to the ground, as Fox Sparrows prefer to feed lower down.
Specific feeders that Fox Sparrows like include:
- Mesh tray platform feeders
- Plastic platform feeders
- Covered low platform feeders
- Squirrel-proof hopper feeders
Having a ground feeder or scattering some seed on the ground is ideal, since Fox Sparrows naturally forage on the forest floor. But elevate ground feeders or trays to deter squirrels.
When and Where to See Fox Sparrows
Here are some tips to increase your chances of seeing Fox Sparrows at your feeders:
- Live in their migration or wintering range – Focus on southern and eastern states
- Get feeders set up in early Fall before migration starts
- Use small seeds like millet and fine sunflower chips
- Place feeders low to the ground
- Add fruit like raisins or apple bits
- Provide cover like bushes or brush piles nearby
- Be patient and watch quietly
Your best chance to see them is during migration and winter. Having feeders already stocked with their preferred foods will help draw them in when they pass through your area.
Early mornings and late afternoons are good times to watch for them. Fox Sparrows may visit quickly and then retreat back to cover, so look carefully!
Fox Sparrow Behavior at Feeders
Watching Fox Sparrows visit your feeders can provide great opportunities to observe their interesting behaviors!
Here are some things you may see Fox Sparrows do at your feeders:
- Make quick visits to grab seeds, then retreat back to cover
- Use their feet to scratch up seeds scattered on the ground
- Get into scuffles with other sparrows like Song Sparrows
- Feed alone or in small loose flocks in winter
- Consume a high volume of seeds during visits
- Nestle into shrubs or brush piles to stay hidden nearby
- Fully fluff up their feathers to stay warm in winter
Listen for their musical call notes and melodious song, even during winter. Observing their behavior can help you identify them.
Attracting Fox Sparrows to Your Yard
Here are some tips to make your yard attractive to migrating and wintering Fox Sparrows:
- Provide cover – Leave brush piles, keep shrubs and brambles
- Offer small seeds – Use millet, fine sunflower chips
- Use ground or low platform feeders
- Include fruit and suet mixes
- Add a water source like a birdbath
- Reduce noise and human activity
- Limit pesticide use so insects are available
- Position feeders near natural cover
Having cover like shrubs or brush piles gives Fox Sparrows a place to retreat to after grabbing food from your feeders. Leaving fallen leaves helps them access ground insects.
Be sure to follow good feeding practices by keeping feeders clean, preventing buildup of old seed, and providing a water source. Then enjoy watching Fox Sparrows stop by for meals!
Fun Facts About Fox Sparrows
Here are some interesting facts about these large winter sparrows:
- They get their name from their fox-like rusty red coloring
- They migrate at night and can end up far off course, showing up rare locations
- Their legs are pinkish to match their winter ground foraging habitats
- They rarely visit bird feeders in their western breeding range
- Their bills are adapted for crushing thick seeds
- They breed in forests across Canada and Alaska
- Fox Sparrows scratch the ground with both feet at the same time
- They migrate in loose flocks at night
- They are very secretive on their breeding grounds
- Fox Sparrows live about 2-3 years on average
Learning little facts like these can help you get to know and identify Fox Sparrows!
ID Tips for Fox Sparrows
Here are some key identification tips to recognize Fox Sparrows:
- Rufous colored wings and back
- Large white breast stripes
- Boldly streaked underparts
- Plain gray face and breast
- Pinkish legs
- Thick conical bill
- Reddish tail
- Size and shape of a thrush
- Distinctive scratching behavior
- Musical song and call
Focus on their large size, thick bill, strongly streaked body, and rufous colors. Learning their common behaviors can also help pick them out at feeders.
| Key Identification Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 7-8 inches long |
| Bill | Thick, conical bill |
| Plumage | Reddish brown upperparts with heavily streaked underparts |
| Face | Plain gray face and breast |
| Behaviors | Frequently scratches ground, skulking habits |
This table summarizes the key identification features to look for in Fox Sparrows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fox Sparrows are medium-sized sparrows that are regular winter feeder visitors across the eastern and southern U.S. They stop by feeders during migration and winter for small seeds, fruit, and insects. Ground feeders or platform feeders with millet and sunflower seeds can attract them. Watch for their rusty colors, bold streaks, and scratching habits at feeders. Encourage Fox Sparrows to your yard by providing cover and their favorite foods at feeders low to the ground. Keep an eye out this winter for a Fox Sparrow to stop by your feeder!
