dark-eyed junco

The dark-eyed junco, scientifically known as Junco hyemalis, is a small sparrow belonging to the Emberizidae family. These birds are approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length and are typically gray, distinguished by white outer tail feathers that are visible during flight. They also possess pinkish bills.1

Juncos inhabit a range extending from Alaska and Canada down to Georgia and northern Mexico, and they are frequently observed in the United States during winter. Their preferred environments include mixed or coniferous forests, but they are also commonly found in fields, thickets, and city parks. Females typically lay three to five eggs per clutch, which are light green with brown spots. The dark-eyed junco breeds in Canada and the Appalachian Mountains, with northern populations often referred to as "snowbirds" in the eastern United States.1