The dark-eyed junco is a species of junco, a group of small, grayish New World sparrows. The species is common across much of temperate North America and in summer it ranges far into the Arctic. It is a variable species, much like the related fox sparrow, and its systematics are still not completely resolved.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across the boreal and subalpine forests from Alaska through Canada and into the northern and montane western United States, with some populations extending into Mexico’s highlands. Winters across most of the United States and parts of northern Mexico, frequenting towns, parks, and gardens. Prefers coniferous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, brushy clearings, and regenerating burns. In winter it uses open woodlands, hedgerows, fields, and residential landscapes, often near cover. Nests are typically on or near the ground in concealed banks, roots, or dense vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Dark-eyed juncos are often called “snowbirds” because they appear at feeders across much of the U.S. in winter. They show notable plumage variation across regions (e.g., Slate-colored, Oregon, Pink-sided, Gray-headed, White-winged). On the ground they forage with quick hops and scratch-backs, often flashing their white outer tail feathers. They readily visit feeders for seeds, especially millet and cracked corn.
Slate-colored dark-eyed junco (J. h. hyemalis)
White-winged dark-eyed junco (J. h. aikeni)
Oregon/brown-backed group dark-eyed junco (may be any one of eight subspecies)
Pink-sided dark-eyed junco (J. h. mearnsi)
Gray-headed dark-eyed junco (J. h. caniceps)
Red-backed dark-eyed junco (J. h. dorsalis)
Slate-coloured dark-eyed junco (J. h. hyemalis)
Male slate-colored dark-eyed junco (J. h. hyemalis), North Carolina
On a tree branch in the middle of the winter.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights; frequent tail flicking
Social Behavior
Forms loose to large flocks in winter, often with other sparrows, and establishes clear pecking orders at feeding sites. During breeding, pairs defend territories and nest on or near the ground in concealed sites. Both sexes may participate in parental care, with the female typically constructing the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a bright, musical trill, often a steady, dry buzz reminiscent of a Chipping Sparrow but softer and more variable. Calls include sharp tik or tsip notes and a soft twitter given in flocks.
