Junco hyemalis

Dark-eyed Junco – Junco hyemalis

The Dark-eyed Junco is in a genus of small grayish American sparrows.  This bird is common across much of temperate North America, and in summer ranges far into the Arctic. [1]

Adults generally have gray heads, necks, and breasts, gray or brown backs and wings, and a white belly, but show a confusing amount of variation in plumage details. The white outer tail feathers flash distinctively in flight and while hopping on the ground. The bill is usually pale pinkish. [3]

These birds forage on the ground.  In winter, they often forage in flocks that may contain several subspecies.  They mainly eat insects and seeds. [1]

Dark-eyed Junco – Junco hyemalis

They usually nest in a cup-shaped depression on the ground, well hidden by vegetation or other material, although nests are sometimes found in the lower branches of a shrub or tree. The nests have an outer diameter of about 4 inches and are lined with fine grasses and hair. Normally two clutches of four eggs are laid during the breeding season. [1]

Dark-eyed Juncos are with us all year here in Peachtree Park. [3]

References and Additional Information

[1] Wikipedia: Dark-eyed Junco
[2] The Sibley Guide to Birds, second edition – David Allen Sibley
[3] Cornell – All About Birds: Dark-eyed Junco
[4] Cornell – All About Birds: Dark-eyed Junco – sound
[5] The Breeding Bird Atlas of Georgia – UGA Press: Schneider, Beaton, Keyes and Klaus, Eds.
[6] Cornell – All About Birds: Dark-eyed Junco – life history