Scientific Name:
Junco hyemalis
Description
Up to 17 cm / 6.5 in in length, with a black (males) or dark-gray head (females), white beak, and brown, black, and gray plumage. Their range stretches from Alaska across Canada all the way down to California and northern Georgia.
Behaviors
Largely vegetarian, diet consists of seeds and plant material, but they will eat insects if the opportunity arises. Generally diurnal (active during the day), they will often migrate at night.
Fun Facts
Even though their plumage colors vary based on their home range, dark-eyed juncos across North America can interbreed, creating offspring with the physical features of both parents. The type native to Point Lobos are called Oregon juncos.
Nature Topics
Photo credit: ©Kip Evans
