Fox Sparrow or Savannah Sparrow?
Here's how to tell the difference
Fox Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Passerella iliaca
General appearance
The Fox Sparrow is a large bird of around 6-7 1/2 inches. It has a noticeable ground-scratching behavior. Its underparts display triangular spots and its face is rather plain. Its overall color varies: it is very reddish in the east and far north, mostly gray with some reddish in most of the west, and darker sooty brown in the Pacific northwest. Its tail is often reddish, and it often has a two-toned bill.
Male vs female
There is no notable sexual dimorphism in the Fox Sparrow that would differentiate males and females purely based on physical appearance. Both genders share the same general traits from size to color and markings.
Juvenile
Juvenile Fox Sparrows are similar in appearance to the adults in terms of color and markings. The size difference is notable, with young birds being smaller until they reach full grown size.
Size
5.9 - 7.5 in/0.9 - 1.7 oz
There's more to learn about Fox Sparrow
View full detailsSavannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis
General appearance
The savannah sparrow is a small, streaked songbird with a short tail and a distinguishing yellow spot between the eye and beak. Its back and wings are brown with heavy streaking, while the underparts are white with dark streaks. The bill is typically short and conical.
Male vs female
Males and females are similar in appearance, but males often exhibit slightly brighter and more contrasting plumage during the breeding season. Both sexes feature a similar patterning and coloration throughout the year.
Juvenile
Juvenile savannah sparrows resemble adults but have a more subdued coloration and streaking. The yellow spot may be less pronounced in juveniles. As they mature, their plumage becomes more defined, resembling adult birds.
Size
4.3 - 5.9 in/0.5 - 1.0 oz
There's more to learn about Savannah Sparrow
View full detailsHow to tell the Fox Sparrow from the Savannah Sparrow
Visual differences
Fox Sparrows are larger (6-7.5 inches) and heavier (0.9-1.7 ounces) than Savannah Sparrows (4.3-5.9 inches, 0.5-1 ounce). Fox Sparrows have triangular spots on their underparts, a plain face, and coloration ranging from reddish to sooty brown depending on the region. Their bill is often two-toned. Savannah Sparrows feature distinct streaking, a short tail, and a yellow spot between the eye and beak. Their back and wings are brown with heavy streaking, and they have a short, conical bill.
Key differences and behavior
Fox Sparrows and Savannah Sparrows differ notably in behavior and habitat preferences. Fox Sparrows exhibit prominent ground-scratching while foraging, often in brushy woodlands and dense vegetation, especially in winter. In contrast, Savannah Sparrows prefer open fields, meadows, and marsh edges, showing distinct singing behaviors from perches to attract mates. Fox Sparrows are more likely to visit feeders for seeds, while Savannah Sparrows seldom do, feeding primarily on insects and seeds. Both species have ground-level nesting habits, but Fox Sparrows use dense shrub cover while Savannah Sparrows nest among tall grasses. Breeding behavior varies, with Fox Sparrows adopting aggressive territory defense, and Savannah Sparrows using elaborate flight displays for courtship. Overall, Fox Sparrows are intrepid travelers occasionally seen in non-native regions, whereas Savannah Sparrows are widespread but less conspicuous, with distinct regional nesting preferences.
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