FOX SPARROW. 



585. Passerella iliaca. 7 1 /* 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 sec- 

 onds, 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 beautiful when a large flock of them are sing- 

 ing in chorus. 



Song. A loud, clear and melodious carol; 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 (.90x.65). 



Range. N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from 

 NVr Brunswick and Manitoba northward; winters in 

 ithern states. 



