Fox (Thick-billed) Sparrow Passerella iliaca megarhyncha
Uncommon winter visitor, late September through April, primarily in the Lowlands region. Rare and local summer resident, May through June, in Mountains region.
Habitat: Bracken fern and ceanothus for breeding, chaparral.
Best location: Breeds at Cuyamaca Peak between Deer Spring and Cherry Flat.
Note: Gray head and back, thick wide bill with blue or horn base, sparse inverted black breast chevrons, metallic “chink!” call.