Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is a medium-sized sparrow with a rounded head, short stout bill, and fairly long tail. Plumage varies considerably among its regional forms, ranging from smooth slate gray to combinations of dark hoods, brown backs, and pinkish or buff-colored sides. Most have a pale pink bill, light-colored belly, and prominent white outer tail feathers that flash when the bird flies.

Dark-eyed Juncos occur across North America from Alaska and Canada south into Mexico. Many populations migrate, with birds breeding in northern forests moving into the United States during winter. Some populations in the Rocky Mountains, western states, and Appalachian Mountains make shorter seasonal movements or remain within the same general region throughout the year.

Dark-eyed Juncos breed primarily in coniferous and mixed forests. During winter and migration, they use a wider variety of environments, including open woodlands, fields, roadsides, parks, gardens, and backyards. They are frequently found near low vegetation that provides both protective cover and access to fallen seeds.

Seeds make up most of the Dark-eyed Junco’s diet, particularly outside the breeding season. They eat seeds from grasses, weeds, and other plants and readily visit ground-feeding areas beneath bird feeders. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with beetles, caterpillars, ants, flies, wasps, and other insects.