ID Keys: Dependent upon race. See photos at bottom of page of
several different races.
Once considered five separate species, the five
races of Juncos are now grouped into one species. The five races tend to
summer in different locations, but multiple races can be found together in
winter. The top photo is of the white-winged race. The white-winged race
is a South Dakota specialty, nesting only in
the Black Hills. They are similar to the slate-colored junco, except have
white wing bars, more extensive white on the tail, and average 10-15% larger
than other junco races.
Habitat
The Dark-eyed Junco breeds primarily in coniferous and mixed forests, especially in mountainous and boreal regions with dense understory cover. During migration and winter, it commonly uses woodland edges, brushy fields, parks, shelterbelts, and backyard feeding areas across places such as South Dakota.
Diet
Mostly seeds and insects. Summer diet is evenly split between insects and seeds, while winter diets are primarily seeds of weeds and grasses.
Behavior
Primarily forages hopping or walking along the ground. Even when they come to feeders, they typically will feed on fallen seed below a feeder, or on tray feeders set on the ground.
Nesting
White-Winged race nests in the Black Hills, other races only winter in the state. The Dark-eyed Junco usually nests on or near the ground, often hidden beneath grasses, roots, shrubs, fallen logs, or small banks for protection. The female builds a cup-shaped nest from grasses, mosses, leaves, and fine plant fibers, lining it with softer materials such as hair or feathers. Typical clutches contain 3–5 eggs, and the species often raises two broods during a breeding season.
Song
Dark-eyed Juncos give sharp metallic tick calls that are commonly heard from flocks feeding in forests, brush, and backyard habitats during winter. Their song is a simple musical trill, often delivered from exposed perches during the breeding season, with slight variations among the different regional forms across North America.
Migration
Most races summer in Canada or in the Mountain West. The white-winged race can be found in all seasons in the Black Hills, while the other races are only found here in the winter.
Generally distinctive, except for the Yellow-eyed Junco. Dark-eyed Juncos are generally gray, brown, or blackish with white outer tail feathers and pale bills, while Yellow-eyed Juncos are warmer brown overall and show striking yellow eyes that immediately distinguish them from all Dark-eyed Junco forms. Yellow-eyed Juncos also tend to inhabit pine-oak woodlands and mountain forests of the Southwest and Mexico, whereas Dark-eyed Juncos occupy a much broader range of forests, shrublands, and winter habitats across most of North America.
Conservation Status
Dark-eyed Juncos remain one of the most widespread and abundant sparrows in North America and are currently considered a species of relatively low overall conservation concern. However, some regional populations have shown gradual declines linked to habitat alteration, climate-driven changes in northern forests, and shifting winter conditions that may affect migration and survival. The IUCN considers the Dark-eyed Junco to be a species of "Least Concern" .
Photo Information
May 30th, 2004 -- Near Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park -- Terry Sohl
