Dark-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus)

 
                                                                                      Photo by BarrytheBirder

Juncos are gray sparrows with white outer tail feathers.   They are cool-weather birds that nest mostly in the north or on mountains and spread southward in winter across Canada and the U.S.A., often visiting backyard bird feeders.

For many birders in Canada and the U.S., this is a 'snowbird', visiting only in winter.  Except when paired up for nesting, juncos are usually found in small flocks, feeding on the ground near thickets and forest edges.   

There are several types of Juncos including "Slate-colored Junco", "Oregon Junco", "Pink-sided Junco", "White-winged Junco", "Grey-headed Junco" and "Red-backed Junco".

All of these Juncos have white outer tail feathers, and all but the last have pale pink bills.

Exceptionly, in mountain  forests above 6,000 feet, near the Mexican border,  a "Yellow-eyed Junco" is to be found.   A bright orange-yellow eye gives this Junco a "fierce'look!   They are pale gray above, with a bright rufous back.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder