Yesterday, I shared a blog post about A Rare Rusty Blackbird in My Arkansas Yard. Today’s post features another feathered winter visitor to Arkansas: the Fox Sparrow. These photos showcase a Fox Sparrow that stopped by my feeder during the snowy weather we experienced here. It reminded me of a similar visit I wrote about back in 2021, Birds In The Snow Here In Arkansas.
Fox Sparrows are always a treat to spot in the winter months. Their bright reddish-brown plumage and distinctive behavior make them stand out among the other sparrows that visit my yard.
Identifying the Fox Sparrow
- Size: Larger than most sparrows, measuring 5.9–7.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 10.5–11.4 inches.
- Appearance: Known for their reddish-brown streaks, round body, stout bill, and medium-length tail. The “Red” Fox Sparrow group, seen in the eastern U.S., is particularly vibrant.
- Behavior: Frequently seen scratching at the ground, kicking leaf litter aside in search of seeds and berries.
Winter Habitat in Arkansas
Fox Sparrows prefer brushy fields, forest edges, and dense thickets. During the winter months, they’re often found in areas with plenty of ground cover for foraging. In my yard, they typically visit the ground near shrubs or brush piles. This snowy weather provided an excellent backdrop to observe their behaviors.
Seasonal Presence and Migration
- Fox Sparrows migrate southward from northern breeding grounds during the fall. Arkansas is part of their wintering range, and they usually stay until early spring.
- They can be shy, so spotting them often requires a bit of patience. Their sharp “chuck” call or occasional whistling song is a good way to locate them.
Tips for Spotting Fox Sparrows
- Look for them foraging under dense vegetation or around bird feeders where seeds have fallen.
- Native shrubs and berry bushes can help attract them to your yard.
- They are typically seen in small numbers and may be overshadowed by more common winter birds, so keep an eye out for their reddish plumage and distinct streaking.
These photos capture the beauty of a Fox Sparrow in the snow—a scene that never gets old for me as a wildlife photographer. I hope you enjoy this glimpse of Arkansas’s winter wildlife as much as I enjoyed photographing it. Stay tuned for more photos and stories from my yard! For more insights on Fox Sparrows, check out Fox Sparrow Identification – All About Birds
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