Slate-colored Junco

1. Bird Name

The English name for this bird species is the Slate-colored Junco. Its scientific (Latin) name is Junco hyemalis hyemalis.

2. Appearance

The Slate-colored Junco is so named for its dark slate-gray coloration on the head, wings, back, and chest. The primary wings possess blackish outer webs paired with pale gray inner webs, creating a distinctive pattern. The bird has a long, slightly curved, and pointed beak, which is pale pink to horn colored. Eye color is described as medium to dark brown.

Male and female slate-colored juncos differ somewhat in appearance. The males have more defined dark-colored plumage while the females have more brown mixed in with the gray. Their feather texture is soft yet dense to resist against often harsh habitat conditions.

3. Size

The Slate-colored Junco typically ranges in length from 14–16 cm (5.5–6.3 inches). The typical wingspan is around 18–25 cm (7.1–9.8 inches) across. The bird weighs between 18–30 grams (0.63 – 1.06 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution

The Slate-colored Junco is widely distributed across North America, specifically prevalent in Canada and the United States. They primarily prefer dense coniferous or mixed woodland habitats, as well as suburban yards and parks. During winter, they migrate to the southern parts of North America.

5. Interesting Facts

Some interesting facts about the Slate-colored Junco include its migratory instincts; they fly south for the winter and return back north when the weather warms up. An unusual behavior is that this species often hops instead of walking on the ground. Their cultural significance is evident in several Native American tales, representing the activation of winter season.

6. Diet

The Slate-colored Juncos primarily feed on seeds from various grass varieties, but will also eat insects, especially in the breeding season.

7. Behavior & Sounds

One unique behavior of this species is that they forage primarily on the ground, hopping around and flicking their tails in search for food. Their nests are cup-shaped built mainly on the ground. The males exhibit territorial behaviors during mating seasons. Their call is a trilled or buzzy twitter that varies individually.

8. Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Slate-colored Junco is not considered endangered or threatened, and currently holds a status of Least Concern.

9. Lifespan

On average, Slate-colored Juncos live up to 3 years in the wild, although some recorded instances show them living up to 11 years. Lifespan in captivity can be a bit longer, often around 5-10 years.

10. Additional Notes

In French, the Slate-colored Junco is called “Junco ardoisé”. They play a significant role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers and insect controllers. In terms of human interaction, they can often be found feeding in gardens, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. Despite their common presence, they are shy birds and would fly for cover if approached by humans.