The Dark-eyed Junco is a small sparrow found widely across North America. There are several recognized subspecies or geographic variants of the Dark-eyed Junco, which differ in appearance and range. Here we will explore the major types of Dark-eyed Juncos.
Slate-colored Junco
The Slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemalis) is considered the nominate or standard form of the species. It has a dark gray head, breast, and upperparts, with a white belly. The bill is pink with a dark tip.
Some key facts about the Slate-colored Junco:
- Breeding range extends across Canada, Alaska and the northeastern and western United States.
- Migrates south in winter through most of the contiguous U.S.
- Male and female look alike.
- Length is around 6 inches.
Appearance
As mentioned above, the Slate-colored Junco is dark gray above with a lighter gray breast, white belly, and pink bill. The wings and tail are darker gray with two white outer tail feathers visible in flight. Legs and feet are pinkish.
Behavior
Slate-colored Juncos are ground foragers, often seen hopping on the ground and picking seeds. They may forage in small flocks in winter. The flight of juncos is fast and bounding. Their song is a musical trill.
Habitat
In summer, Slate-colored Juncos inhabit forests across Canada and Alaska. In winter they are found in open woodlands, fields, and backyards across much of the U.S. They tend to avoid densely forested areas in winter.
Oregon Junco
The Oregon Junco (Junco hyemalis oreganus) is a geographic variant of the Dark-eyed Junco found along the Pacific Coast and in the mountain West. It has a dark black hood that contrasts with its pale gray sides.
Some facts about the Oregon Junco:
- Breeding range is western North America from southeast Alaska to southern California.
- Partially migratory, northern birds migrate south in winter.
- Length is around 6 1⁄4 inches.
- Also known as the Pink-sided Junco.
Appearance
The Oregon Junco is similar to Slate-colored but has a very dark, almost black hood that contrasts sharply with the pale gray sides. The rump is brownish, and the belly is whitish. The bill is pink with a black tip.
Behavior
Similar to other Dark-eyed Juncos, Oregon Juncos forage on the ground often in small flocks, sometimes with other species. Their flight is bounding and they sing a sweet trill.
Habitat
Oregon Juncos inhabit coniferous forests of the mountain West in summer. In winter they are found at lower elevations in woods, scrub, and yards.
White-winged Junco
The White-winged Junco (Junco hyemalis aikeni) is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota and adjacent parts of Wyoming. As its name suggests, it has conspicuous white markings on its wings.
Facts about White-winged Juncos:
- Small breeding range confined to the Black Hills.
- Does not migrate.
- Closely related to the Oregon Junco and occurs near the border between their ranges.
- Length is around 6 1⁄4 inches.
Appearance
The White-winged Junco resembles the Oregon Junco in having a dark hood that contrasts with pale gray sides. However, it also has bold white wing bars and tail sides. The rump is pale brown and the belly whitish.
Behavior
White-winged Juncos behave much like other juncos, foraging on the ground in small flocks. Their song is a high thin tsip.
Habitat
This junco is found in Black Hills pine forests year-round. In winter it frequents areas near human habitation.
Gray-headed Junco
The Gray-headed Junco (Junco hyemalis caniceps) occurs in mountainous areas of northeastern Arizona, western New Mexico and adjacent areas.
Some key facts about this junco:
- Breeding range limited to a few mountain ranges.
- Does not migrate.
- Closely related to the Red-backed Junco.
- Length around 6 1⁄4 inches.
Appearance
As its name suggests, the Gray-headed Junco has a gray head that contrasts with its brown back. The wings are blackish with white outer tail feathers. The sides are pinkish-cinnamon and the belly is white. The bill is flesh-colored.
Behavior
This junco forages on the ground, often scratching in fallen leaves. The song is a trilled chi-chi-chi.
Habitat
The Gray-headed Junco inhabits pine and mixed pine-oak forests. In winter it is found at lower elevations in brushy areas.
Red-backed Junco
The Red-backed Junco (Junco hyemalis dorsalis) ranges through central and northern California to southwestern Oregon. As its name indicates, it has a distinctive red-brown back.
Some Red-backed Junco facts:
- Bounded breeding distribution near the coast.
- Partially migratory.
- Intergrades with Oregon Junco where their ranges meet.
- Length around 6 1⁄4 inches.
Appearance
This junco has a black head forming a hood. The back and shoulders are reddish-brown. The belly is white and the sides are pinkish-gray. The outer tail feathers are white.
Behavior
The habits and behavior of the Red-backed Junco are much like other juncos. It hops on the ground picking seeds and insects. The song is a rapid trill.
Habitat
Breeding habitat is conifer and mixed woodlands near the coast. In winter, Red-backed Juncos frequent chaparral and bushy areas.
Yellow-eyed Junco
The Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus) inhabits mountain forests of southern Arizona, New Mexico and adjacent Mexico. It has distinctive yellow eyes and other differences from the Dark-eyed Junco.
Some facts about the Yellow-eyed Junco:
- Limited to mountains of the southwest.
- Does not migrate.
- Considered a separate species from the Dark-eyed Junco.
- Length around 6 3⁄4 inches.
Appearance
The Yellow-eyed Junco has gray head, breast and back with a white belly. The most obvious feature is its yellow eye. The bill is yellowish. Overall it is a paler gray than the Dark-eyed Junco.
Behavior
This junco forages mostly on the ground alone or in small flocks. Its flight is rapid and direct. The song is a melodic warbling.
Habitat
This species inhabits pine-oak and pine forests of mountain ranges. In winter it may descend to lower oak scrub habitat.
Guadalupe Junco
The Guadalupe Junco (Junco insularis) is endemic to Guadalupe Island off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. It is currently considered a subspecies of Yellow-eyed Junco but some have suggested it merits species status.
Some Guadalupe Junco facts:
- Only found on Guadalupe Island.
- Small population size, around 2,000 individuals.
- Similar to Yellow-eyed Junco but grayer overall.
- Length around 6 1⁄2 inches.
Appearance
The Guadalupe Junco resembles the Yellow-eyed Junco but is distinguished by its gray head, back and breast. The belly is white. It has a pale yellow eye. The bill is pinkish.
Behavior
This is a ground-foraging species that occurs alone or in small flocks. Due to its small population, some aspects of its behavior are poorly known.
Habitat
This junco inhabits pine and cypress forests on Guadalupe Island. It appears well-adapted to the arid environment of the island.
Baird’s Junco
Baird’s Junco (Junco phaeonotus bairdii) occurs in the southern Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to northern Georgia. It is currently considered a subspecies of the Yellow-eyed Junco.
Some facts about Baird’s Junco:
- Small breeding distribution in the southern Appalachians.
- Does not migrate.
- Similar to Yellow-eyed Junco but reddish-brown back.
- Length around 6 1⁄2 inches.
Appearance
Baird’s Junco has a gray head, breast and belly. The back is reddish-brown and the belly whitish. The eyes are pale yellow. The bill is flesh-colored.
Behavior
Like other juncos, this species forages on the ground, often scratching in leaf litter. It occasionally joins mixed flocks with other species.
Habitat
This junco inhabits higher elevation coniferous and mixed forests, nesting in understory trees or on the ground.
Summary
In summary, there are several recognized types of Dark-eyed Juncos across North America:
- Slate-colored Junco – common, nominate form
- Oregon Junco – west coast form with black hood
- White-winged Junco – Black Hills form with white wing bars
- Gray-headed Junco – Arizona/New Mexico form
- Red-backed Junco – California coastal form with red back
The Yellow-eyed Junco was previously considered a Dark-eyed Junco but is now recognized as a separate species. It has two regional forms, the Guadalupe Junco and Baird’s Junco.
While the juncos vary in appearance, they share similar behavior, habitat, and lifestyles. Understanding the differences between types provides insight into junco evolution and geographic variation.
Conclusion
The Dark-eyed Junco is a varied species that has adapted to habitats across North America. Ornithologists recognize several regional subspecies or variants that differ in appearance features such as hood color, wing bars, and eye color. However, all juncos share core characteristics of being small, ground-foraging sparrows. Their geographic diversity provides an interesting look at microevolution and speciation within a widespread songbird.