Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

The little snowbird. Hops through winter delivering messages one bounce at a time.

Population: ~220 million mature individuals (2019 est., BirdLife/Partners in Flight); decreasing trend (~1.3%/yr avg 1970-2017; ~15% decline over past decade per some estimates)
Habitat: Coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests with understory for breeding; open woodlands, forest edges, brushy/partially wooded areas, parks, towns, and backyard feeders in winter
Fun fact: Dark-eyed Juncos are famously variable across their range — once split into multiple species (Oregon, Slate-colored, Pink-sided, White-winged, Gray-headed juncos, etc.) based on distinct plumage forms, they were lumped into a single species, Junco hyemalis, once genetic and behavioral studies showed the forms interbreed freely where their ranges meet.
Range: Breeds across most of North America from Alaska and Canada south through the western mountains (locally into Mexico) and northeastern/Appalachian US; winters throughout the contiguous United States and northern Mexico, giving it the nickname "snowbird" in the eastern US. Extremely large range (breeding EOO ~20.5M km², non-breeding EOO ~17.9M km² per BirdLife).
Diet: Primarily seeds (grasses, weeds) year-round, comprising roughly three-quarters of annual diet; supplements with insects and other arthropods especially during breeding season, with insects making up nearly half of diet then and being critical for nestlings
Size: 0.155 m
Wingspan: 0.23 m
Lifespan: 11 years

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