The literature on the Fox Sparrow reveals a lack of consensus concerning the number of subspecies of Fox Sparrows. The range of possible subspecies varies from 4 to 18 subspecies. There seems to be substantial agreement that Michigan migrants tend to be from a single eastern subspecies labeled by many as the Red Fox Sparrow.

This 6.25” –7” sparrow (one of the largest) has plumage characterized by reddish-brown streaks on its wings, and back, with splotches or spots on its breast, flanks , and underparts. Moreover it has a central breast spot in the same fashion, except for color, of the Song Sparrow. Its crown, nape, and upper back are grey. Its tail and rump are a bright rusty color.

The considerable literature I have reviewed for the Fox Sparrow indicates that ordinarily the Fox Sparrow does not breed in Michigan. They are a frequent yet inconsistent migrant. Inconsistency in presence of this species in migration season tends to be attributed to the weather.

The literature does not provide consensus on the perspective that Michigan spring migrants for the most part are a significant eastern subspecies headed for breeding grounds in Northeastern Canada in the area of northern New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Some of the literature expresses the view that some of the Michigan migrants may end up breeding in Alaska.

Fox Sparrows begin to pass through Michigan in late March. The literature indicates that in the 70’s, late March to mid-April was the expected time of migration for this species in the southern portion of the state. The last 2 weeks of April is supposedly migration time in the north. Increasingly there is evidence that significant numbers of these birds embark on their migration voyage at an earlier date than in years past.

If you are reading this during the first week in April, you are likely to have seen your first Fox Sparrow of 2007. The first reported NW Michigan sighting of a Fox Sparrow in 2007 was in Grand Traverse County on March 30. Most Michigan migrant Fox Sparrows should have continued their journey north by the end of the first week in May.

Swamp and woodland thickets, conifer or deciduous undergrowth, woodland edges, and riparian corridors name just a few of the potential habitats sought out by Fox Sparrows for nesting habitat. They are primarily a lower storey and ground dwelling species as they go from spot to spot stirring up the leaf litter and top soil layer in pursuit of edible seeds and insect.

Fox Sparrows rarely place their nests in trees. They usually produce two broods, tending to place the earlier nest somewhat above ground in the branches of a bush or thicket (because of snow/snow melt?). They usually produce 2 broods each breeding season. Clutches contain from 2-5 greenish eggs with reddish brown spots. The female broods. Incubation takes 12-13 days. Male and female feed the young which fledge in 9-11 days. Both adults utilize broken wing tactics in defense of fledglings. Males are occasionally aggressive toward other species that enter the breeding territory.

The song of the Fox Sparrow is distinctive, lyrical, with a lower frequency than the Purple or House Finch but shorter, more varied, and less mellifluous than the songs of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

The eastern Fox Sparrow winters in the U.S. primarily along the east coast and Appalachians and into the southeastern states. Fall migration occurs in October and November. They are frequent associates of juncos and other sparrows and often join these other species at feeders. They are being tallied at CBC’s in Michigan with increasing frequency.

~bob c.