Junco hyemalis

The several recognizable groups or subspecies of dark-eyed juncos formerly were recognized as distinct species. Further genetic studies are likely to alter current views on the relationships of these groups and other junco species.
Photo Credit: Geoffrey A. Hammerson
Junco hyemalis
Common Name: dark-eyed junco
Animal Guild: Bird
Class > Order > Family: Aves > Passeriformes > Passerellidae
What does the species look like? Plumage details vary considerably throughout the range, but the following is broadly applicable. Adults lack streaks and typically have dark eyes and a gray to black (sometimes tinged brown) "hood" over the head and breast, a white belly, and conspicuous white outer tail-feathers on an otherwise dark tail. Typically the bill is pinkish (or bluish, grayish, or bicolored). Males and females are similar but females in some subspecies average paler and browner than males. The appearance changes little throughout the year. Juveniles generally resemble the overall adult plumage pattern but are browner in color, often with a buffy undertone on the breast, and the adult pattern is largely obscured by coarse streaking on the head, back, and underparts. The eyes of juveniles are grayish, and some juveniles have pale wing-bars.
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AB, AK, AL, AR, AZ, BC, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MB, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NB, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NL, NM, NS, NT, NU, NV, NY, OH, OK, ON, OR, PA, PE, QC, RI, SC, SD, SK, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, YT
Distribution

Breeding range extends from Alaska eastward across central Canada to Labrador and Newfoundland, south to northern Baja California, Arizona, western Texas, southern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, Great Lakes region, and southern New England, and in the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia. Winter range extends from southern Canada south through the United States to Florida, southern Texas, and northern Mexico.

Habitats include various sorts of coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forest; forest edge; forest clearings; bogs; open woodland; brushy areas adjacent to forest; and burned-over lands. In migration and winter the species occurs in a wide range of openly wooded and brushy and grassy habitats. Nests are in scrapes on the ground and usually are concealed by logs, rocks, tree roots, leaves, or ground vegetation.
General Phenology and Life History South-bound migration from the northern breeding range occurs primarily September-November. Migration to northern breeding areas occurs mainly March-May. In most areas, nesting occurs from April to as late as August (median fledging date around late June), but earlier nesting may occur in southern lowland areas and fledging may sometimes extend into September. Clutch size usually is 3-5. Incubation lasts about 11-12 days. Both parents feed nestling and newly fledged young. Depending on local conditions, pairs raise 1-2 broods per season.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Live individuals
One or more individuals are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
More...

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Feeding
One or more individuals are seen feeding or foraging. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Fruit/seed consumption
One or more individuals are seen eating the fleshy fruits, seeds, or cones of a plant. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Insect consumption
One or more individuals are seen eating insects. If possible, record the name of the insect or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Calls or song
One or more individuals are heard calling or singing.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Singing individuals
One or more individuals are heard singing. Singing refers to stereotypical, simple or elaborate vocalizations (most commonly by males) used as part of territorial proclamation or defense, or mate attraction. It does not include relatively simple calls used for other forms of communication.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Territorial individuals
One or more individuals are seen or heard defending a territory. This may be indicated by calls or song used as part of a territorial proclamation, chasing of an individual of the same species from a breeding area (but do not confuse this with courtship behavior, which in some species may involve chasing), or calls or displays directed at individuals of the same or a different species to defend a feeding area.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Reproduction Courtship
A male and female are seen near one another and are engaged in courtship behavior. Do not include male displays in the absence of a female.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position, usually with the male on top of the female.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Nest building
One or more adults are seen constructing a nest or carrying nesting material.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Occupied nest
One or more adults are seen sitting on a nest, entering or leaving a nest site under circumstances indicating its use for nesting (including nest defense behavior), or live eggs or nestlings are seen in a nest.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Development Nestlings
One or more young are seen or heard in a nest.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Fledged young
One or more young are seen recently departed from the nest. This includes young incapable of sustained flight and young which are still dependent on adults.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Dead individuals
One or more dead individuals are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Dead nestlings or fledglings
One ore more dead nestlings or young are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Method Individuals at a feeding station
One or more individuals are seen visiting a feeder, feeding station, or food placed by a person.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.