Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) (Linnaeus, 1758)

 

Synonyms: Fringilla hyemalis, Emeriza hyemalis, Junco aikeni, Junco caniceps, Junco dorsalis, Junco insularis, Junco oreganus

 

 

Junco hyemalis breeds across North America from northern Alaska to Newfoundland south to northern Baja California and the Appalachian Mountains. It winters in southern Canada, most of the United States, and northern Mexico (Map). Breeding habitat includes forest edges and woodland clearings in coniferous or mixed forests. In winter, this species is found in grassy fields, roadsides, forest edges, etc. Northern populations are migratory; others are altitudinal migrants or residents. J. hyemalis exhibits a complex geographic variation in size, plumage color, songs and calls. All adults have dark-grey to black heads, necks, and breast, white outer tail feathers and undersides. However, the backs and sides can vary from dark grey to reddish-brown depending on the region. Fifteen subspecies arranged in seven groups are currently recognized: “slate-colored juncos” (3 ssp.), “white-winged junco” (1 ssp.), “Oregon juncos” (7 ssp.), “pink-sided junco” (1 ssp.), “gray-headed junco” (1 ssp.), “red-backed junco” (1 ssp.), and “Guadalupe junco” (1 ssp.). Some authorities treat these groups as full species. The cup-shaped nest is placed on or near the ground, e.g., under logs or tree roots, but sometimes in the lower branches of a shrub or tree. The clutch contains 4-5 eggs; incubation 12-13 days. The young leave nest 9-14 days after hatching. Usually two broods a year. This species forages on the ground, feeding on seeds and arthropods.

 

		D37972 Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D33526 Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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		D37985 Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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		D33542 Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis); atypical Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D33538 Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis); atypical Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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