0 the fox sparrow (passerella iliaca) is a large american sparrow .
1  it is the only member of the genus passerella , although some authors split the genus into four species (see below) .
2 more specific information regarding plumage is available in the accounts for the various taxa .
3 adults are amongst the largest sparrows , heavily spotted and streaked underneath .
4  all feature a messy central breast spot though it is less noticeable on the thick billed and slate-colored varieties .
5  plumage varies markedly from one group to another .
6 these birds forage by scratching the ground , which makes them vulnerable to cats and other predators , though they are generally plentiful .
7  fox sparrows birds migrate south on the west coast and to the eastern united states .
8 they mainly eat seeds and insects , as well as some berries .
9  coastal fox sparrows may also eat crustaceans .
10 fox sparrows nest in wooded areas across northern canada and the  west coast of north america from alaska to california .
11  they nest either in a sheltered location on the ground or low in trees or shrubs .
12  nest typically contains two to five pale green to greenish white eggs speckled with reddish browns .
