Scientific Name:   Junco hyemalis

Length:   5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)

Weight:   0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)

Wingspan:   7.1-9.8 in (18-25 cm)

Nest:   The nest is 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 10 cm (3.9 in) and are lined with fine grasses and hair.

Eggs:   3-5, rarely 6. Whitish to bluish white or pale gray, with markings of brown and gray often concentrated at larger end. Incubation is by female, about 11-13 days.

Feeding Behavior:   Juncos hop around the bases of trees and shrubs in forests or venture out onto lawns looking for fallen seeds. They sometimes fly up from the ground to catch insects from tree trunks. The summer diet of adults consists of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, true bugs, and others, also spiders.

Young:   Both parents feed the nestlings. Young leave the nest 9-13 days after hatching. 1-2 broods per year, sometimes 3.

Range:   Many populations are permanent residents or altitudinal migrants, while in cold years they may choose to stay in their winter range and breed there in forest areas throughout North America.

Brief Description:   Adult dark-eyed juncos 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. It is a medium-sized sparrow with a rounded head, a short, stout bill and a fairly long, conspicuous tail.