fox sparrow

noun

1. a North American sparrow, Passerella iliaca, having a bright rufous tail and streaked breast.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fox sparrow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

The fox sparrow, who passes earlier (sometimes in March), is also chary of the music with which he is so richly endowed.

From Project Gutenberg

In the song sparrow, field sparrow, chipping sparrow, and the fox sparrow the male and female are very nearly alike in color.

From Project Gutenberg

We have marked the fox sparrow as being a great scratcher among dead leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

Our song-sparrow, fox-sparrow, the whitethroat and others are among the best of American singing birds.

From Project Gutenberg

Second to none in delicate beauty of coloring, king of his tribe, is the fox-sparrow.

From Project Gutenberg