Dark-Eyed Junco

Beak

These outstanding and handsome birds are members of the sparrow family, and therefore have similar beaks which are ivory to almost-pink in colour. Their beaks are made for eating weed seeds as well as insects and grubs.

Appearance

Juncos are dark gray above, and white below. They have sharp triangular beaks, rounded heads, slender bodies, and long forked tails. Their tails show dark gray except for the outmost feathers on each side.

Food

As with other sparrows and finches, juncos eat weed seeds and can be found in scrubby abandoned fields and alder thickets. They often are seen on road edges gathering grit to help with digesting the seeds they eat. At home, you can attract juncos with mixed birdseed, millet, peanut butter, and chopped suet. They usually hop and feed on the ground, but will go to a higher feeder if the opportunity arises and other larger birds allow them to have access.

Habitat

Dark-eyed juncos are birds of open fields and woodland edges. These smart-looking birds are common in open woodland, burnt over areas, and cleared land. They have a high bell-like trill that the males sing in spring, often from a high, exposed perch. They are a favourite at feeding stations in the winter. They are known to many as "snowbirds" as they seem to arrive at feeders in flocks of 10-20 just before the first snowfall in late fall or early winter.