Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Also called snowbird, junco.
Called the snowbird because it arrives at feeders with the cold. The white outer tail feathers flashing as it flies off are the identification, and they work on every regional form.
- Size
- Sparrow-sized — 13–17 cm
- Bill
- Short and conical
- Where
- feeder, yard, woodland
- Season
- winter, year round
What it looks like
Slate-grey above and on the chest with a clean white belly, a small pink bill and white outer tail feathers that flash in flight. Western forms have brown backs and dark hoods.
The checks that confirm it
- White outer tail feathers, flashing whenever it flies.
- A small pale pink bill against a dark face.
- Crisp division between grey chest and white belly.
- Feeds on the ground beneath feeders, hopping and scratching.
Voice
A dry even trill on one pitch, and a sharp 'tik' call.
Attracting it
Millet and sunflower hearts scattered on the ground. They rarely use hanging feeders.
Confused with
Western, with a thin insect bill, and it catches insects from a perch rather than feeding on the ground.
Much larger, with rufous flanks and a red eye.
Questions about this bird
How do you identify a dark-eyed junco?
White outer tail feathers, flashing whenever it flies. A small pale pink bill against a dark face.
What does a dark-eyed junco sound like?
A dry even trill on one pitch, and a sharp 'tik' call.
How do you attract a dark-eyed junco?
Millet and sunflower hearts scattered on the ground. They rarely use hanging feeders.