Dark-eyed Junco

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Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

Description:

Size: 6 inches (14-16 cm)
Wingspan: 7 - 10 inches (18-25 cm)
Weight: .64 to 1.06 inches (18-30 g)

This bird is a medium, sparrow-size bird. They are generally grey or brown with a grey to black hood, white belly, dark eyes and pink legs. When it flies, it is easy to see the white outer tail feather.

Diet:

The Junco feeds mainly on the ground, eating grass and weed seeds. Will do a great job of cleaning up the seeds on the ground beneath your bird feeders. You can attract them best with a tray or platform style feeder .

Sex Differences:

The male and female look almost the same. The female may be slightly paler and browner.

Nesting:

The Junco nests in depressions on the ground near tall vegetation. It uses grass, moss, pine needles and rootlets for nest construction. The clutch contains 3 to 6 eggs and incubation lasts 12 to 13 days.

Range:

A Few Things You Probably Didn't Know:

"Snowbird" is a common nickname for the Dark-eyed Junco. It is often seen around feeders when it snows.
It is one of the most common song birds found at feeders across America.
Flocks will return to the same areas each winter, usually arriving at feeders in large numbers.

Click here for information on attracting a Dark-eyed Junco and other wild birds.

Click here for information on other backyard birds.

Please tell us about the Dark-eyed Juncos visiting your feeders.

Dark eyed juncos are one of the most cutest little birds to visit our backyard feeders. Unfortunately not everyone gets to see them. If you are fortunate enough to see them in your yard please tell us about them.

What type of feeders do you use? What type of food did they eat? My readers would love to hear your story. It is easy to do just fill in the areas below and you can even add pictures. One you're finished you will have your very own page published with your name in the title!

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