photo by Phil Swanson

Passerella iliaca
L 7″ (18 cm).

Song or calls:
Loud rich song begins with a few clear whistles and is followed by varied short “buzzy” trills.

Description: Sexes similar. Large and chunky. Plumage is highly variable. Most have reddish rump, tail, and wings; and whitish underparts that are heavily marked with triangular spots merging into large central breast spot. Varying amounts of gray on head and back. Heavy bill with lighter-colored lower mandible.

Behavior: Forages on the ground by scratching in fallen leaf litter for insects and seeds; nests near the ground.

Habitat: Brushy woodlands, edges of coniferous or mixed woodlands in dense undergrowth, streamside thickets, and occasionally residential areas.

Where in Nebraska: Common to uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rare or very rare in the west.

Fun Facts: Adult Fox Sparrows will feign a broken wing in order to lure nearby predators away from their nest.

 
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