juncos

1. Bird Name
The English name for this bird is the Dark-eyed Junco. The scientific name for this bird is Junco hyemalis.

2. Appearance
Dark-eyed Juncos have a variable coloration based on their subspecies and region. However, typically, their upper parts are dark gray or brown, and their underparts are white. They have a distinctive white belly and tail feathers with distinct white edges and their bill is pinkish or pale. The eyes, true to their name, are dark. The most common form, often referred to as the Slate-colored Junco, is entirely charcoal gray or brownish-gray. Females are a bit paler than males.

3. Size
The Dark-eyed Junco is a medium-sized sparrow with an average length of 14 to 16 cm from beak to tail. The wingspan ranges from 18 to 25 cm. They typically weigh between 18 to 30 grams, with an average weight of about 25 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Dark-eyed Juncos primarily inhabit North America. They are commonly seen in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They have a broad habitat preference, from mixed woodlands, coniferous forests, and deciduous forests to parks, gardens, and roadsides. During winter, they migrate to the southern United States and Mexico.

5. Interesting Facts
A fun fact about Dark-eyed Juncos is despite being primarily ground feeders, they are excellent fliers and often engage in mid-air fights over territories. They are known as “snowbirds” in many regions due to their return signaling the arrival of winter. Dark-eyed Juncos have an extraordinary range of songs and sounds, which they use for different purposes like attracting mates and warning against predators.

6. Diet
Dark-eyed Juncos mainly eat seeds from weeds and grasses, but they also consume berries, insects, and small fruit. During winter, when insects are scarce, seeds make up about 75% of their diet.

7. Behavior & Sounds
They have a unique habit of flicking their tails from side to side, revealing the striking white outer tail feathers. Their song is a trill similar to the sound of a ringing telephone. They have a variety of calls, including a high “tik”, a dry rattle, and a metallic smack.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Dark-eyed Junco is classified as a species of Least Concern. However, their numbers are reportedly declining in some areas, attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation.

9. Lifespan
Dark-eyed Juncos can live up to eleven years in the wild, though three to five years is standard. In captivity, provided with proper care and environment, they can live a bit longer.

10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, Dark-eyed Juncos are known as “Junco Ojioscuro”. People sometimes mistake them for sparrows, but their behaviors and nesting habits are quite different. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal in the ecosystems they inhabit, aiding in plant biodiversity. As ground feeders, they are also vital in controlling pest populations. They generally have a positive interaction with humans and are frequent visitors to bird feeders.