Dark-eyed Junco

About this cute Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is the best-known species of junco. Adult Dark-eyed Juncos are generally grey on top with a white belly. The male bird Junco tends to have a darker, more conspicuous marking than the female Junco.

Juvenile Juncos often have pale streaks and may even be mistaken for a Vesper Sparrow until they acquire adult plumage at 2 to 3 months.

The breeding habitat of these birds is coniferous or mixed forest areas throughout North America. Juncos usually nest in a cup shaped depression on the ground, well hidden by vegetation or other material, although the Junco is sometimes found in the lower branches of a shrub or tree. The nests of these birds have an outer diameter of about 10cm and are lined with fine grasses and hair.