Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis

 Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis aikeni. Photograph taken within a residential community in Hereford, Arizona, November 2012. Photograph and identification courtesy of Bob Behrstock, Sierra Vista, Arizona (naturewideimages.com).

Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis cismontanus. Photograph taken within a residential community in Hereford, Arizona, October 2020. Photograph and identification courtesy of Bob Behrstock, Sierra Vista, Arizona (naturewideimages.com).

Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis hyemalis. Photograph taken within a residential community in Hereford, Arizona, April 2010. Photograph and identification courtesy of Bob Behrstock, Sierra Vista, Arizona (naturewideimages.com).

Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis mearnsi. Photograph taken within a residential community in Hereford, Arizona, October 2020. Photograph and identification courtesy of Bob Behrstock, Sierra Vista, Arizona (naturewideimages.com).

Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis shufeldti. Photograph taken in the greater Santa Ynes region of California, March 2011. Photograph courtesy of Dr. Tom Bartol, Carlsbad, California.

Background and Identification

The Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis, is a member of the Passerellidae Family of New World Sparrows. This species has a wide distribution across the United States and the rest of North America, in fact it is one of the most common and familiar North American Passerines. A recent population estimate set the Junco’s population at approximately 630 million individuals. Regional color variation is common, which can make it appear in different shades depending on where it is found. They are mainly ground feeders, consuming arthropods and seeds, but frequently visit birdfeeders in the air. The bird is often referred to as a “snowbird” because it frequently appears in winter across much of the United States, retreating to cooler, forested regions during the breeding season. In Mexico, they are called Junco Ojioscuro.

They are a medium-sized sparrow, about 14.5 cm (5.7 inches) to 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) in length and averaging 18 g (0.63 oz) to 22 g (0.78 oz) in mass. This species is notable for its regional color variations, which can make it appear in different shades depending on where it’s found. However, most Dark-eyed Juncos are recognized by their slate-gray or brownish upperparts, white belly, and striking white outer tail feathers, which are especially visible in flight. They have a pinkish bill, and males tend to be darker in color than females. This is called sexual dimorphism, meaning that it is easy to tell the difference between males and females solely from their plumage color, size, or both. Juveniles generally resemble adult individuals, but are browner in color.

Habitat and Geographical Range

The Dark-eyed Junco is found in pine and juniper forests and in dry-belt forests and semiarid scrub and brushy ravines. They prefer mixed forests, woodlands, and suburban areas, particularly in the winter months.

The Dark-eyed Junco is a migratory bird. Their geographical range is vast, stretching from the northern boreal forests of Canada and Alaska to the southern United States and Mexico during winter. During the breeding season, they prefer forests in Canada, Alaska, and the mountainous western United States. Dark-eyed Juncos are sedentary year-round residents in parts of the western United States (such as Arizona and California), where milder winters allow them to remain in higher elevations. In Mexico, they are found within the Atlantic Slope from southern Coachella to southern Veracruz, and in Baja California and within the Pacific Slope from Sonora to central Jalisco at elevations up to 2,040 m (6,700 feet).

Common Misidentifications

The Dark-eyed Junco can be confused with other small, sparrow-like birds, especially due to its regional color variations. The Oregon Junco, Junco hyemalis can be mistaken for similar sparrows or other subspecies of the Dark-eyed Junco. The Dark-eyed Junco can be confused with the White-throated Sparrow, Zonotricha albicollis (similar size and streaked pattern but lacks the solid, grayish back and white tail edges typical of the Dark-eyed Junco).

Conservation Status

From a conservation perspective the Dark-eyed Junco is currently considered to be of Least Concern with stable, widely distributed populations. Their population is extremely stable and they are widespread across North America. Their adaptability to human environments, especially in winter, ensures they are commonly seen at bird feeders and in suburban areas.