Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored form)

The Dark-eyed Junco is one of the most familiar and abundant forest sparrows in North America. Often nicknamed snowbirds because they appear in flocks during winter, they are recognized by their neat dark hoods and contrasting white outer tail feathers which flash conspicuously in flight.

Striking bicolored pattern with dark charcoal-gray to slate-black on the inner web and basal portion, sharply contrasting with a clean white tip and outer edge.

Pennaceous structure along the main vane with tightly interlocked barbicels, and a small semiplume-like base.

Thin, pale whitish-grey central rachis that is moderately flexible, with barbs tightly angled and dense along the shaft.

Smooth, silky, and matte texture with standard rigidity for a small perching bird's flight-control feather.

Tail (outer rectrix), identified by the characteristic flash of white on the outer webs which is a hallmark of the species.

Sharp contrast between dark slate-gray and clean white on the outer rectrix, diagnostic for identifying slate-colored juncos.

Coniferous and mixed forests, woodland edges, brushy areas, and suburban yards, especially during winter months.

Breeds across northern North America and mountainous regions; winters widely across most of the United States and Mexico.

Consumes vast quantities of weed seeds and insects, helping regulate plant populations and insect numbers in forest understories.

Other sparrow species with white tail markings, such as the Vesper Sparrow, but lacks the uniform dark slate field.

Juncos form dominance hierarchies in winter flocks, with older and larger males typically winning access to the best food sources.

Not historically significant in the commercial feather trade; appreciated mostly by backyard birdwatchers.

Look near brush piles, feeding stations, and forest floors where flocks forage during winter.

Good condition with minor wear at the very tip, indicating normal usage before being molted.