"Red" Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca), Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Santa Cruz County

This potential "Red" Fox Sparrow (the iliaca group of subspecies) was discovered and photographed by Chris Rasmussen on 13 December 2009.

Several "Red" Fox Sparrows are reported annually in Arizona. 

There are four groups of Fox Sparrow subspecies that are distinguishable in the field:  Red, Slate-colored, Sooty and Large-billed.  This individual differs from the expected form of the "Slate-colored" group of Fox Sparrow subspecies (P. i. schistacea) by the gray and rusty back pattern and brighter rufous wings, face, tail and breast spots.  These characters are consistent with in being a member of the Red Fox Sparrow subspecies (the iliaca group).  Nevertheless, some bright forms of "Slate-colored" group of Fox Sparrow subspecies (P. i. altivagans) closely approach the appearance of the darker forms (P. i. zaboria) of the "Red" group of Fox Sparrow subspecies so caution is always warranted except for extreme individuals. 

13 December 2009, photo by Chris Rasmussen

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