Dark-eyed Junco: The “Snowbird” of Winter

In the winter, it’s common to see the Dark-eyed Junco hopping and pecking about under a feeder. They’ll arrive in medium-sized flocks, and cover the snow with their little tracks. 

Because these sparrows are abundant throughout central and eastern North America during winter, they’re considered a rare “snowbird.” Most other migratory birds head south for warmer climates, but for the Dark-eyed Junco, “heading south” is the United States. This makes them (and the other year-long birds) bright sparks of life in the otherwise cold and quiet landscape. 

As such, the Dark-eyed Junco is a treasure for winter birders. In this bird guide, you’ll learn more about these special snowbirds, including the many Dark-eyed Junco sub-species across the United States. We’ll also discuss their range and habitat; mating and breeding habits; and how you can attract these special “snowbirds” to your backyard. 

Dark-eyed Junco Overview 

The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is a medium-sized sparrow in the Passerellidae or New World Sparrow family. They are the only species within the Junco genus that are abundant across North America. 

However, within the Dark-eyed Junco species, there are several sub-species that were once considered separate species. These variations differ in plumage color, range, and habitat. That said, these different forms often mix in flocks where their ranges overlap. 

Dark-eyed Junco Identification 

No matter the Dark-eyed Junco variation, they all share the following characteristics: 

• Rounded, grey, or black head; 
• Short, pale pink bill; 
• Long tail with white outer tail feathers (especially noticeable in flight);
• Juveniles are brown with streaks (no matter the variation)

Now, let’s get into each of the Dark-eyed Junco subspecies across the United States. 

Slate-colored Junco 

“Slate-colored” Juncos live in Central and Eastern North America. They are the only Dark-eyed Junco variation in the East. 

Male “slate-colored” Dark-eyed Juncos have a dark grey to black hood, a grey chest and back, and a white belly. The female is lighter grey and sometimes has tan or brown hues on her head and back. This variation is easy to identify because they are mostly grey all over except the white belly. 

Oregon Junco

The “Oregon” Junco variation is found throughout the Western United States. The male has a black to dark grey hood and a noticeable chestnut-colored back. He has a white underbelly with rusty tan hues on the sides. The female “Oregon” Junco has a light grey hood and less contrasting plumage colors. 

Pink-sided Junco 

This Dark-eyed Junco subspecies is similar to the “Oregon” Junco, but the males have a noticeably lighter grey head. The female “pink-sided” Junco appears very similar to the female “Oregon” Junco. 

The “pink-sided” Junco is slightly larger than the other Junco variations. This Junco form is found throughout the Rocky Mountains. During the summer, they nest at higher elevations in the north-central Rockies region and winter farther south. 

White-winged Junco

The “white-winged” Junco is found in and around the Black Hills in South Dakota. This subspecies looks like the “slate-colored” Junco but has white wing bars and is slightly larger. Furthermore, the males have a lighter grey head, chest, and back than the “slate-colored” Junco.

Gray-headed Junco 

The “gray-headed” Junco lives in the Rocky Mountian and Great Basin regions. This Dark-eyed Junco variation overlaps with the “pink-sided” and “Oregon” Junco. 

However, this subspecies is light grey on the head and chest with a reddish-tan patch on its back. It does not have pink or tan sides like the “pink-sided” and “Oregon” Juncos. Rather, it has more grey on its chest and sides. 

Red-backed Junco

In the southwestern United States, you’ll find the “red-backed” Junco. This Junco subspecies is similar to the “grey-headed” Junco. However, this variation has a lighter chin, chest, and a brighter red patch on its back. 

Plus, the upper mandible of its bill is darker than the lower mandible. This small feature sets the “red-backed” Junco apart in beak color from all other variations. 

Cassiar Junco

The “cassiar” Junco nests in British Columbia and Yukon Territories in Canada. They winter in the Western United States. As such, this Dark-eyed Junco subspecies overlaps with the “Oregon” Junco subspecies. 

Male “cassiar” Juncos have a black head and chest, a stark white belly, and subtle brown hues on their back. They have light tan markings on their sides, but they’re not as noticeable as the pink and tan sides of the “Oregon” or “pink-sided” Juncos. They lack the bright chestnut back found in the other varieties. Females and immatures are less dark on the head and chest.

Habitat and Range 

Due to their vast range, Dark-eyed Juncos are found in a variety of habitats. You can find them at sea level all the way to 11,000 feet in elevation.

While breeding and nesting, the Dark-eyed Junco prefers mixed conifer forests, semi-open wooded areas, and forest edges. In winter, you can find them in meadows, open woods, forest edges, roadsides, backyards, fields, parks, and brushy thickets. 

Most Dark-eyed Juncos in the central and eastern United States migrate to Canada and Alaska in the spring to breed. However, those in California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rocky Mountain region stay year-round. This is also true for their populations in the Appalachian Mountain range, the North East, and the Upper Great Lakes Region. 

In these areas, these birds move to higher elevations or denser coniferous forests to breed. In the fall and winter, migratory Dark-eyed Juncos arrive back in the central and eastern United States. And the ones who went deeper into the forest or mountains to breed, emerge back out to open areas. This is when it’s easier to find Juncos, as they’ll often visit backyard feeders. 

Breeding and Nesting

The Dark-eyed Junco is considered “socially monogamous.” This means mates pair off to breed and defend their territory but may also mate with neighboring birds. 

In the spring, both sexes display courtship behaviors by hopping around while flicking open their wings and tail. The male birds will also pick up small pieces of nest material to show to the female. The female chooses her mate and seems to prefer males with more white in their tail. 

Once a mate is chosen and a nesting site is established, the male will sing from a high perch to defend his territory. He will chase away intruders in a rapid flight while chirping loudly. 

Dark-eyed Junco Nest

The female Dark-eyed Junco builds the nest after choosing the nest site. Most often, she will build a ground nest hidden under exposed roots, overhanging grass, or under a rock or log. She may also choose a depression or shallow hole in a slope to build her nest. Sometimes, she builds a nest aboveground in a shrub, tree, or building, but will rarely build above 10 feet. 

The cup nest can vary in material, but the base is usually made with twigs, weeds, grass, or leaves. The inner layer is lined with soft grass, pine needles, hair, or feathers. 

Eggs and Nestlings 

The female Dark-eyed Junco lays 3-6 eggs and has 1-3 broods per year. The eggs are bluish-white to light gray. They can have brown or gray markings concentrated at the larger end of the egg. 

The female incubates the eggs for about 12-13 days. Both parents feed the nestlings, which leave the nest after about 9-13 days. 

How to Attract a Dark-eyed Junco to Your Backyard 

After breeding, Dark-eyed Juncos form medium to large flocks that readily visit backyard feeders. Most often, they’ll hop about under hanging or platform feeders pecking the fallen seed. They will sometimes perch at a hanging or platform feeder, but will more often eat the seeds on the ground. 

As such, attracting Dark-eyed Juncos to your backyard is fairly simple. All you really need to do is keep a stocked hanging or platform feeder. You can also scatter seeds on the ground to entice them.

Dark-eyed Juncos don’t have large beaks, so they prefer smaller seeds such as hulled sunflowers, millet, and cracked corn. They have a hard time breaking open unshelled sunflower seeds, so it’s best to choose hulled sunflower birdseed mixes. 

Along with scattering seeds, you can attract Dark-eyed Juncos by leaving patches of weeds, brush piles, and shrubs in your backyard. In the winter, their diet consists of primarily weed seeds. So, if you leave weedy patches, you’re more likely to attract the Dark-eyed Junco (and other sparrow species) to your backyard. 

Dark-eyed Junco: A Special “Snow” Sparrow

The Dark-eyed Junco is one of those little birds that is easy to overlook. Quite literally, it’s easy to overlook them because you have to look down at the ground to find them. And even then, they aren’t the dazzling blue of a bluebird or the bright crimson red of a Northern Cardinal. No, their beauty is more subtle, but it is as clear as day if you take time to appreciate this humble sparrow. 

Their beauty is in their consistency. When many other birds have left for the winter, the ones who stick around have a special place in a birder’s heart. In winter, these birds converge at a feeder, much to the delight of a backyard birder. And the dainty Dark-eyed Juncos are always there in large numbers, hopping and jumping about. 

Do you have Dark-eyed Juncos visit your feeder in winter? Do you know which subspecies is in your area? Do you have any special memories or appreciative words for this “snowbird?” If so, we would love to hear from you in the comments below! Let’s spread some love and appreciation for the beautiful Dark-eyed Junco.