|
Dark-eyed Juncos are also known as “snow birds” in parts of the country because of their migration patterns. In the Eastern U.S., juncos show up in winter and migrate back north in the spring. In the West, however, there are some resident populations that don’t migrate or migrate altitudinally (up and down mountains). These juncos can be found in places like Southern California all year long! There are 16 subspecies of Dark-eyed Juncos found throughout North America. Here on the West Coast, we see the Oregon subspecies most frequently. They have black heads (grayer in females) that contrast with a brown back and pale underside. Other key field marks to look out for when identifying juncos are a pale bill and white, flashy outer tail feathers. Dark-eyed Juncos love to feast on seeds of plants like chickweed, buckwheat, and sorrel year round. When they forage, juncos hop along the ground, sifting through the soil and pecking at leaf litter. During their breeding season, Dark-eyed Juncos expand their diet to include insects like flies, caterpillars, moths, and beetles. They can be seen agilely darting up from the ground to catch insects along tree trunks.
|
