Dark-eyed Junco
The Snow Bird Habits

The Dark-eyed Junco commonly called snowbird, because of its sudden appearance around winter bird feeding stations, is a member of the sparrow family.

In the beginning there were five different species, slate-colored, Oregon, white-winged, gray-headed. Now, all are re-classified as one species, the Dark-eyed Junco.

Often the most abundant bird at the bird feeders but by mid-March for most of us East of the Rockies, this bird suddenly disappears.

Description

The Dark-eyed is 5 to 6 1/2 inches long. The bill is pinkish and the eyes are dark.

This bird varies geographically. The eastern "Slate-colored" race is uniform dark gray or brownish gray depending on whether it is male or female.

The western "Oregon" race has black (male) or gray (female) hood and brown back.

The western "Pink-sided" race has a gray head and pinkish sides.

The "Gray-headed" race of the southern Rockies and Southwest is light gray with a reddish-brown back.

The "White-winged" race of north-central states has white on the tail and usually white wing bars.

Mating Habits Of Junco

These birds are generally monogamous (one male to one female) defending their territory during the nesting and breeding season.

Although these birds vary in appearance, they will breed freely with one another.

Nesting Habits

The female builds and places its nest on the ground near tall vegetation.

The nest is cup shaped and built using grasses, moss, and twigs. The inside is lined with rootlets.

The female lays 3 to 6 gray or pale bluish eggs with dark blotches.

Incubation generally begins the night before the last egg is laid.

The female incubates the eggs for 12 to 13 days and the young leave the nest about 9 to 13 days after hatching.

1 - 2 broods each season.

Feeding Habits

These birds feed mostly on the ground, eating weed and grass seeds. In summer these bird feed mainly on insects.

Attracting these birds to your feeders is as easy as scattering some cracked corn or sunflower seed on a Tray Feeder. A tray feeder keeps the seed off the ground. Seed tossed on the ground gathers moisture causing the seed to spoil. This can be harmful to the birds.

Interesting

These birds have an interesting wintering habit. Males will winter farther North than females. Younger males will winter farther north than older males.

It's believed Dark-eyed Juncos do this in order to get back to the breeding ground to claim territory. Since females do not claim territory, they can winter farther south.

Dark-eyed Junco Video