Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored form)

The Dark-eyed Junco is a small sparrow often called a snowbird due to its arrival with winter weather. Adults have a neat hood appearance, pink bill, and a flashing white tail displayed conspicuously during flight.

Dark slate-gray or blackish terminal portion with a striking, contrasting white outer web and tip

Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to slightly plumulaceous texture near the base

Slender, white-to-pale-grey central rachis with high-density barbs angled uniformly outward

Smooth, matte finish with firm yet flexible vane structure

Tail (outer rectrix), identified by the characteristic white outer web pattern typical of slate-colored juncos

Contrasting dark gray and crisp white pattern on the outer tail feather, typical of the slate-colored junco morph

Coniferous and mixed forests, woodland edges, brushy areas, mountain thickets, and suburban yards during migration and winter

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

Important seed disperser and consumer of weed seeds and insects during winter months

Other sparrow species with white in the tail, such as Vesper Sparrow or Eastern Towhee, but distinguished by the clean slate-gray and white contrast

Juncos flash their white outer tail feathers when flushed to startle predators and communicate with flock members

Popular backyard visitors immortalized in literature and winter birdwatching lore

Look near brush piles, feeding stations, and forest edges where juncos forage on the ground in flocks

Good condition with minor wear at the distal tip and some fluffing at the base