Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored form)

The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, neat sparrow often called a 'snowbird' because it arrives in many regions with winter weather. This feather showcases the classic dark slate-grey body tone contrasted with the flash of white that juncos famously display in flight.

Dark slate grey to blackish coloration with a striking, clean white margin along one edge, typical of slate-colored junco outer tail feathers.

Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning into a semiplume or downy base.

Soft yet relatively firm vane structure typical of small songbirds, matte finish with no strong iridescence.

Contrasting dark grey field paired with a distinct, sharp line of bright white along the outer margin.

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

Breeds across northern North America and high elevations; winters throughout most of the United States and Mexico.

Important ground-foraging seed consumer and insect predator during breeding season, serving as a key prey base for small raptors.

Other small sparrows and towhees, though the distinct slate-grey and sharp white flash combination is largely diagnostic for the slate-eyed form of the Dark-eyed Junco.

Juncos are part of the large American sparrow family and use their flashing white outer tail feathers to signal alarm to flockmates when flushed.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying, showing slight wear at the base.