Junco hyemalis
The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is a small, widespread North American sparrow, instantly recognizable to many as the 'snowbird' due to its winter presence across much of the continent. Measuring 13-16 cm (5-6.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 18-25 cm (7-10 inches) and weighing 18-30 grams (0.6-1.1 oz), this species exhibits significant regional plumage variations, leading to several recognized subspecies groups. The most common 'Slate-colored' form presents a striking dark gray hoo...
Found in a variety of forested and open woodland habitats, including coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests, as well as suburban parks and gardens. They inhabit a wide altitudinal range, from sea level to high mountain forests.
Primarily granivorous, consuming a wide array of seeds from grasses and weeds, particularly in winter. During the breeding season, their diet shifts to include a significant proportion of insects and arthropods.
Dark-eyed Juncos are primarily diurnal, typically foraging on the ground during the day and roosting communally in dense shrubs or low conifers at night. Their foraging strategy involves actively hopping and scratching through leaf litter to uncover seeds and insects, often observed at bird feede...
The Dark-eyed Junco boasts an incredibly vast breeding range across North America, extending from Alaska and much of Canada south through the western mountains of the U.S., including the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades, and also in the Appalachians and New England states. During the winter, ...
Least Concern
- Dark-eyed Juncos are often called 'snowbirds' because their arrival in many parts of the U.S. signals the onset of winter. - There are at least 15 recognized subspecies, grouped into five major 'forms': Slate-colored, Oregon, Pink-sided, White-winged, and Gray-headed, each with distinct plumage...