110 
FOX SPARROW. 
585. Passerella iliaca. 714 inches. 
Above bright reddish brown and gray; rump and tail 
wholly reddish brown, and spots on the breast and sides 
of the same color. 
In winter we find these large Sparrows in quiet 
swamps and open woods, where they scratch about 
among the fallen leaves, after the manner of domestic 
fowls; they will scratch energetically for a few seconds, 
then pause to see what they have uncovered. They have 
a short but loud and joyful song, with which they greet 
you on clear frosty mornings, and the effect is very beau- 
tiful when a large flock of them are singing in chorus. 
Song.—A loud, clear and melodious earol; call, a soft 
chip. 
Nest.—Of grass and moss, lined with fine grass and 
feathers; four or five pale bluish-green eggs, spotted 
with reddish brown and chestnut (.90 x .65). 
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from 
New Brunswick and Manitoba northward; winters in 
the southern states. 
