Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is a neat, medium-sized sparrow with a rounded head, stout bill, and long tail. Often referred to as 'snowbirds' due to their arrival with winter weather, they are delightful visitors to backyard feeders.

Charcoal gray transitioning to a lighter greyish-white base with a distinct white edge along the outer web typical of a slate-colored form morph

Pennaceous upper vane grading into plumulaceous base with a fluffy downy tuft

Slender, white to light grey central rachis, flexible with tightly interlocked barbs near the tip and looser barbs at the base

Soft and silky texture, matte appearance with good flexibility and insulation properties

Flank or breast contour feather, determined by its soft basal structure and curved shape designed for insulation and contouring

Contrasting dark grey upper section with crisp white margins on the outer web and a fluffy white basal down

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

Widespread across North America, breeding in boreal and mountainous forests, and wintering throughout most of the United States and Mexico

Important seed disperser and forager on the forest floor, consuming vast quantities of weed seeds and insects

Other small sparrows or towhees, distinguished by the slate-gray and clean white contrast unique to the Dark-eyed Junco

Juncos are part of the New World sparrow family and are known for their characteristic flash of white outer tail feathers when they take flight

Not used commercially; appreciated by backyard birdwatchers as a harbinger of winter weather

Look near brush piles, under bird feeders, or in deciduous woodlands during late autumn and winter months

Good condition with minor wear at the edges, intact rachis, and clean barbs