The Guadalupe junco is a small bird in the New World sparrow family that is endemic to Guadalupe Island off the western coast of Baja California, Mexico. Many taxonomic authorities classified it in 2008 as a subspecies of the dark-eyed junco. In 2016, it was re-classified as a full species.
Region
Guadalupe Island (off Baja California)
Typical Environment
Confined to the oceanic Guadalupe Island, it uses a mosaic of native shrublands, recovering pine-cypress woodlands, and open, rocky clearings. It forages along forest edges, in grassy patches, and among low scrub where seed and insect availability is high. Nesting typically occurs on or near the ground, tucked into dense vegetation, rock crevices, or low shrubs. Habitat quality has improved in recent years with vegetation recovery following the removal of feral goats.
Altitude Range
0–1300 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Guadalupe junco is a small New World sparrow endemic to Guadalupe Island off Baja California, Mexico. Long treated as a subspecies of the dark-eyed junco, it was elevated to full species status in 2016. Its population suffered from habitat degradation by feral goats and predation by cats, but habitat recovery has begun since goat eradication. It retains classic junco traits like a pink bill and white outer tail feathers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in small loose groups outside the breeding season and becomes more territorial when nesting. Pairs are typically monogamous within a season. Nests are placed on or near the ground, well concealed in vegetation or rocks, with both parents tending young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, musical trill interspersed with tinkling notes. Calls include sharp tik or chip notes used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Clean gray hood and breast with brownish back and wings, whitish underparts, and rufous-tinged flanks; crisp white outer tail feathers flash in flight.
Diet
It consumes small seeds from grasses and forbs, complemented by insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. It will also take small fruits and plant material when available. Ground-gleaning and short hops while scratching leaf litter are typical foraging behaviors.
Preferred Environment
Most feeding occurs on the ground in open patches near shrubs, forest edges, and regenerating woodland. It favors areas with mixed cover that provide both seed resources and quick access to shelter.
