Dark-Eyed Juncos: Cheery Harbingers of Winter

Getting to know these common winter visitors

One of the surest signs of winter to me is the arrival of Dark-Eyed Juncos, those small, dusky grey and white birds who forage on the ground around feeders and then flit busily through the snow-covered bushes and pine boughs, calling cheerfully with their quick, high-pitched peeps or sharp, short clacks. I’m not sure when I became aware of Juncos but at some point, years ago, I noticed a few of them scratching through the snow around the feeder. After that, I noticed a few more and a few more till there was a sizeable population consistently at the feeder and along the tree line of our yard. Using my birding book, I determined they were Dark-Eyed Juncos, a name I don’t ever remember hearing before. I enjoyed their company all winter, watching their antics as they hopped from spot to spot, scratching the ground as they foraged. They were a constant presence, to the point that I hardly remembered when they weren’t there. As the days lengthened and warmed, I noticed the flock had grown a little smaller. And then, quite suddenly, I realized I had not seen any Juncos for a few days. Just like that, they were gone.

“What are those black birds at the feeder now?” a friend asked me.
“Blackbirds?” I guessed.
My friend was not amused.
“Grackles, Crows, Starlings?” I tossed out.
“No,” she said, with a hint of impatience. “They’re little, scratching around on the ground.”
“Oh!” I said. “They’re Juncos!”
“Say what??” she asked.

Getting to Know the Dark-Eyed Junco

You may get the impression I really like Juncos – and you’d be right. But I actually don’t know that much about them. I was photographing some Juncos around my house the other day and got to thinking, “But who ARE these Juncos?”. So that is why I decided to make them the focus of this post.

First, can we acknowledge how great their species name is? Don’t they sound like mysterious dark beauties looking coolly askance at the rest of us mere mortals? Once you get to know them, though, I don’t think that image fits their personalities all that well. I had to reign in my imagination and look at their name factually. Dark-Eyed Juncos do indeed have dark eyes.

Dark-Eyed Juncos, scientifically known as Junco hyemalis, are a diverse group of small sparrows found throughout North America. The term “Junco” is derived from the Spanish word “juncos,” which means “reed” or “rush,” possibly referencing the bird’s habitat preferences for dense shrubby areas or its habit of foraging on the ground among grasses and low vegetation.

The “Dark-Eyed” part of their name describes the prominent dark coloring around their eyes, which contrasts with the lighter plumage on their bellies. This dark eye marking is a notable feature of many junco species and helps distinguish them from other similar-looking sparrows.

Dark-Eyed Juncos have distinctive coloration, making them easy to recognize. But it turns out they also come in an incredible variety of colors and patterns, which was a total surprise to me! Wikipedia says there are 14 or 15 recognized variations! The color pattern I am most familiar with is called “slate-colored”, where the bird has a dusky, dark gray or almost black head, neck, and back, but a white or cream stomach. Sometimes the birds are more brownish than gray. Females and juveniles may be light gray or more brownish than males. This is the variation pictured here in my photographs. This variation is more common in the eastern half of the United States. Other variations include Oregon, White-Winged, Pink-Sided, Gray-Headed, Red-Backed, and others. Photos on All About Birds show variations having the same general shape of the Slate-Colored Dark-Eyed Junco but other variations have darker heads or brown coloration or white wing bars, etc. No matter their coloring, Dark-Eyed Juncos generally have their characteristic dark eyes and also light-colored beaks. The variations will interbreed in places so that can make figuring out a particular bird’s species and variation a bit tricky!

Range and Habitat

In the United States, Juncos are often known as “snowbirds” because they winter in the US, coming south from their northern homes to spend the winter in less harsh climates. Yes, even North Dakota is less harsh than northern Canada or Alaska! I have to admit, I really never wondered where they were in the summer. Sorry, Juncos! But now I know their breeding grounds are in Canada and Alaska. Their winter range covers much of the United States and even some of northern Mexico. That’s a far way for a little bird to go! Interestingly, Dark-Eyed Juncos do have some year-round ranges, in eastern Canada and western United States and Canada. Here is a cool map from Audubon that shows not only their ranges but population densities at different times of the year.

Juncos are often found in coniferous forests, especially in their northern breeding ranges. In the winter, they are frequently seen along the edges of wooded areas, preferring woody and bushy areas that provide protection from predators and the elements. They can also be found in more open spaces like fields and parks in the winter and during migration.

Juncos are seed-eaters and readily visit feeders in the winter. While they will perch on the feeder to select seeds, they prefer to forage on the ground under the feeder, scratching the snow and dirt to find the fallen seeds. All About Birds reports that they prefer millet over sunflower seeds. During breeding season when energy requirements are high, they will also eat insects.

Winter Socialites

Dark-Eyed Juncos are fairly social birds. During the winter months, they can form larger-sized flocks, which can include different variations of Juncos as well as other sparrows and bluebirds, all roving together in search of food and shelter. These communal gatherings provide not only protection from predators but also opportunities for socializing and forming bonds within the flock.

Spring Romantics

However, come breeding season, Dark-Eyed Juncos undergo a remarkable transformation. Males begin to sing melodious trills from elevated perches, proclaiming their territory and wooing potential mates. Males can be surprisingly territorial, driving off competitors with agile flights and spirited calls. Once paired up, these monogamous birds work together to build intricately woven nests of grass, twigs, and moss, hidden away in the underbrush. Unless you are lucky enough to have a year-round population, most of us in the US don’t see these behaviors since they occur on their northern breeding ranges.

Conservation Status and Threats

Although Dark-Eyed Juncos are common and so listed as of low conservation concern, they are still vulnerable to loss of habitat and climate changes. If you like seeing these wonderful little “snowbirds”, maintain bushes and woody areas along tree lines and allow seedheads to remain through the winter to provide food for these busy little winter companions. Plant more native plants to improve natural diets and foraging opportunities. And of course, they will enjoy a feeder full of seeds if you like to provide those! Longer term, increased conservation and improved environmental conditions will improve the survivability and welfare of Juncos.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Appreciating Dark-Eyed Juncos

I hope this post provided some interesting information about a common, and often unappreciated, winter visitor to our backyards. I admit, as much as I enjoy seeing them in the winter, I often look for ‘flashier’ birds to photograph when I am out. I have a new appreciation for Juncos now and look forward to enjoying their antics with new eyes. If you are feeling the same way, be sure to enjoy these snowbirds while they are here because come March or so, they will be leaving us to head north!

Let’s connect!

Do you see Dark-Eyed Juncos by you? When do you commonly see them? Please share any interesting behaviors! Comment below or visit the From Flora to Fauna Facebook page and share your thoughts (and photos!) there.

For more information:

Information about Dark-Eyed Juncos from All About Birds

Information about Dark-Eyed Juncos from Audubon

16 Facts About Dark-Eyed Juncos from Bird Feeder Hub

Fun video from Lesley the Bird Nerd about Dark-Eyed Juncos

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