Dark-eyed
Junco
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Common Name:
Dark-eyed Junco
Class:
Aves
Order:
Passeriformes
Family:
Emberizidae
Genus:
Junco
Species:
Junco hyemalis
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Photo: Sara Morris |
The Dark-eyed Junco is a member of the
Order Passeriformes which means perching birds. It is in
the family Emberizidae which contain the sparrows and
the genus Junco. Known for its pinkish bill and black
and white plumage, the Dark-eyed Junco is one of the
most common passerines in North America. This little
“snowbird,” as it has been known to be called, is
characterized by its distinct plumage which is a dark
black or gray back in seen from up above, while a white
belly and outer-tail feathers prevail from below. The
Dark-eyed Junco is a medium-sized bird roughly about
14.5-16.5 cm in length and averaging about 18–22 g. The
most common and widespread subspecies is the
slate-colored. The females of this subspecies may have a
more brownish back and flanks, unlike the all gray
males.
This bird is typically found foraging the ground in
flocks at a variety of parks and landscaped areas. They are also
found along stream edges especially during the winter months. The
appearance of a Dark-eyed Junco varies, however, on its area of
location. There are 5 subspecies groups of Dark-eyed Juncos in North
America. All subspecies have similar habitats including forested
areas for nesting and winter, open grounds for foraging, and bushes
to fly into when alarmed. Typically, the Dark-eyed Junco feeds on
seeds approximately 0.5mm and arthropods, although fruit and grains
may also be consumed as well. The microhabitat for foraging is
mostly dependent on ground and leaf litter during the breeding
season, as well as the non-breeding season in which foraging occurs
entirely on the ground and on lawns.
.jpg)
Photo: Sara Morris
While on the ground, the Dark-eyed Junco hops forward
and sideways, rarely ever steeping one foot in front of another.
When nearing a potential rival, males may exhibit territorial
display by crouching with erect body-feathers as they creep forward
one foot at a time. Solitary Dark-eyed Juncos are rarely
encountered, however, and average 20 members in a winter flock.
Fearful of predators, the Dark-eyed Junco will quickly retreat into
shrubs and bushes to escape danger. Their mating system is social
monogamy. Male courtship may include pulsatile fanning of wings and
tail, repeated hopping, ptiloerection, picking up nest material or
other vegetation. Nest building is only characteristic of females,
laying 4 smooth slightly glossy white eggs and incubating for 12-13
days with brood patch. Unable to incubate, males warn of imminent
danger with a chack call while fending off other birds and
chipmunks.
These birds are commonly found in the woodlands of
Western New York and are also occasionally seen near birds feeders.
They are locally common during the winter but can be found year
round.
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