Fox Sparrows Migrating Through
Since April 9th, I've been enjoying the presence of 6-7 Fox Sparrows daily as they migrate to their summer breeding grounds.
This is one of my favorite sparrows, along with the white-throated and the chipping. The Fox Sparrow's cinnamon and grey coloration makes them unmistakable. They hang around on the ground with others in the sparrow family (Song Sparrows, white-throateds, juncos), but the fox again stands out with their bigger size.
They're at home on the forest floor, amongst the pine needles and leaves. They forage like a towhee with a scoot-back-scratching move that is very effective at moving leaves and other organic material in their search for seeds, berries, and insects. You'll often see other birds check out the area a Fox Sparrow has cleared to pick up any leftovers.
When migrating sparrows are passing through, I do a daily broadcast of Wild Birds Unlimited Select Groundfeeding Seed Blend, which is very high in white millet. I use this blend only on the ground or in seed trays and only while migrating sparrows and/or juncos are abundant. I would recommend against putting high-millet blends in your tube feeders.
Fox Sparrows don't nest in New York state; an estimated 58% of the species breeds in the boreal forest of Canada.* We'll see them for a few weeks in spring and then again in late October as they head to their winter homes in the southern US. If you're lucky enough to see the Fox Sparrow during the winter, let me know using the comment section. Make sure to tell us where you're located. 
Read more about the Fox Sparrow at Wild Birds Unlimited's rightbird Online Field Guide.
* Source: Boreal Songbird Initiative. Visit the Boreal Bird Blog and sign their Save Our Boreal Birds Petition.
Paulette - good news on the Fox Sparrow. They're beautiful, aren't they?
Fox Sparrows can winter in NJ, looks like primarily east. They certainly migrate through as well.
Keep an eye out! Thanks for your comment and visit again soon.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | November 24, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Saw a Fox Sparrow for the first time today. Had to look this one up.
Have they been spotted in New Jersey before?
Posted by: Paulette | November 23, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Rox - glad to hear you have a big group of Fox Sparrows to enjoy. And welcome to my blog - hope to hear from you often!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 04, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I love the Fox Sparrows, and we have them here in northern Minnesota late winter, early spring. I have a large group that I have been watching the last couple weeks. I love your updates and pics of the birds in your area!
Posted by: Rox | May 03, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Lori - thanks so much! It's easy to lump all sparrows in with the house sparrows, but there are some gorgeous ones that visit feeders. Glad you're keeping an eye out for them now!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | April 23, 2008 at 02:44 PM
I loved (with a capital L) this post and it's made me so much more aware of the sparrows in my backyard. I'm pretty sure I've got shots of these fellows however, I haven't correctly identified them yet! Thank you so much for the informational post!
Posted by: Lori | April 23, 2008 at 02:53 AM
Lana - aren't they perdy? I hope you get to see them some winter.
Birdfreak - they do have a lovely song. One guide we have says they don't sing in migration but I have to beg to differ, 'cause I've heard them. Do they nest in IL?
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | April 18, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I love the way Fox Sparrows look but it is their song that I could listen to for hours!! Definitely one of the best looking sparrows
Posted by: Birdfreak | April 15, 2008 at 08:51 PM
They're so lovely! I never noticed them while I was in Canada & we've never seen them here (even during Winter migration.)
Posted by: Lana | April 15, 2008 at 04:36 PM
John - do they winter in your area? Are you far south enough?
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | April 15, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Fox Sparrows are one of my favorites.
Posted by: John | April 15, 2008 at 11:24 AM