Fox Sparrow
Passerella iliaca
Silhouette: Andy Wilson · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyPasserellidae (New World Sparrows)
- GenusPasserella
- SpeciesPasserella iliaca (Fox Sparrow)
About the Fox Sparrow
The fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca) is a large New World sparrow. It is the only member of the genus Passerella, although some authors split the species into four (see below). Major taxonomic authorities currently differ in their treatment of the fox sparrow complex. The IOC World Bird List/Birds of the World: Recommended English Names and the HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World treat each of the four subspecies groups as a separate species, while eBird/The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World and The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World currently treat the complex as a single species.
More specific information regarding plumage is available in the accounts for the various taxa. Adults are among the largest New World sparrows, heavily spotted and streaked underneath. All feature a messy central breast spot though this is less noticeable on the thick billed and slate-colored varieties. Plumage varies markedly from one group to another.
Measurements: Length: 15–19 cm (5.9–7.5 in) Wingspan: 26.7–29 cm (10.5–11.4 in) Weight: 26–44 g (0.92–1.55 oz) Fox sparrows are a... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Fox Sparrow in Banff National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Banff National Park
Slate-colored Fox Sparrow
Passerella schistacea
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Savannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis
Clay-colored Sparrow
Spizella pallida
American Tree Sparrow
Spizelloides arborea
Brewer's Sparrow
Spizella breweri
Vesper Sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gros Morne National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 2 | Wrangell-St. Elias National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Yosemite National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 4 | Kenai Fjords National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 5 | Katmai National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 6 | Denali National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 7 | Cape Breton Highlands National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 8 | Congaree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 9 | Shenandoah National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 10 | Acadia National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 11 | Point Pelee National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 12 | Joshua Tree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 13 | Saguaro National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 14 | Wood Buffalo National Park | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 15 | Isle Royale National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Fox Sparrow in Banff National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Fox Sparrow sighting in Banff National Park, based on 524 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Fox Sparrow in Banff National Park?
July has the highest sighting rate for Fox Sparrow in Banff National Park in our monthly data.