Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) have returned to our area, announcing the approach of winter. These common sparrows breed in Canada and Alaska, migrating to almost every part of the contiguous U.S. in the winter. Some western populations do not migrate. Plumage variations depend on geographic location, but those common to our area are dark on the top with a white underside and flashy white outer panels on their tails. Subtle sexual dimorphism exists, as males are more slate-colored than the dusky brown females. Listen for a musical trill that lasts a couple seconds.

Photo by Bill Moses.