Dark-eyed Junco

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Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos are between 5 to 6.6 inches (13-17 cm) in length. Males are slightly larger and more brightly plumaged than females. While plumage characteristics vary, all Dark-eyed Juncos exhibit a basic plumage form. They are predominately gray above with white or pinkish wash to the undersides, with white outer tail feathers.

Description: A common and widespread species, there are 15 described races of Dark-eyed Junco, and 5 recognized subspecies:

"Slate-colored" Dark-eyed Junco is the abundant eastern form.
"White-winged" Dark-eyed Junco is rare. It breeds from southeastern Montana east through the Black Hills region of South Dakota. It winters at lower elevations in its breeding range south through central Colorado.
"Oregon" Dark-eyed Junco is the abundant western form.
"Pink-sided" Dark-eyed Junco is found in the northern Rocky Mountains.
"Gray-headed" Dark-eyed Junco is fairly common in the southern Rocky Mountains.
Dark-eyed Junco Range Map

"Slate-colored" Dark-eyed Junco
The head, neck, upper breast, sides, upper flanks, wings, and upperparts are slate gray, while the lower breast, belly, and undertail coverts are white. In males the head, chest, and upper flanks are darker, forming a hood. The bill is pink, sometimes with a darker tip. Legs are pinkish brown with darker feet.

"White-winged" Dark-eyed Junco
This is the largest subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco. It is also very large-billed. Plumage characteristics are similar to the "Slate-colored," but the overall color is more pale and blue gray. This junco has 2 distinct white wing bars that are formed by the white tips of greater and median secondary coverts. (no picture available)

"Oregon" Dark-eyed Junco
The common western Dark-eyed Junco. The head, neck, and upper breast are blackish, giving the appearance of a dark hood. The mantle and scapulars are chestnut or rufous brown. Its rump is gray and its tail is dark with white outer tail feathers. The flanks are rusty or cinnamon, and the belly is white.

"Pink-sided" Dark-eyed Junco
In overall appearance the "Pink-sided" junco is similar to the "Oregon" subspecies, but the hood is paler gray and the sides are much more pink. The head, neck, and upper breast are light gray. The back is rusty brown and the scapulars are gray with brown edges. The flanks are pink and the belly is white. The lores are dark.

"Gray-headed" Dark-eyed Junco
The head, neck, upper breast, sides, rump and upper tail coverts are gray. This junco has black lores. The mantle (back) is rusty red. Undersides are predominately pale gray. The bill is yellow, sometimes with a gray wash.

Visit Shaw Creek Bird Supply to see our selection of Dark-eyed Junco Feeders.