In Search of Snowbirds | Dark-eyed Junco The Dark-eyed Juncos are one of the most abundant forest birds of North America. Juncos are the “snowbirds” of the north that come down to middle America to winter. They look they are wearing little suits.
The Back Story Keeping the camera on a table near the window pays off. This image was a simple click at coffee break time.
Quick Facts…
Dark-eyed Junco … Slate gray with with belly. | |
Habitat | Conifer & mixed woods. Open woods, undergrowth, brush, woodland edges, thickets, etc. |
Range | Common in Winter in Northern Illinois |
Nest | Almost always on ground & well hidden under overhanging grass, under log, rock, etc. |
Diet | Mostly seeds in the winter and insects in the summer. Frequents bird feeders in winter. |
Behavior | Forages mostly on the ground. Comes to bird feeders, but forages on the ground under feeder. |
Size | Length: 5.5-6.3 in | Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz | Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in |