Dark- Eyed Junco
During
the winter in Oklahoma, it is not unusual to find dark-eyed
juncos (Junco hyemalis) at backyard bird feeders or on the
ground beneath them. In fact, they are an excellent indicator
that winter has arrived.
These small birds prefer cold climates and retreat north as
spring arrives. Some populations of juncos can be found in the
northeast United States and Rocky Mountains year-round.
Dark-eyed juncos are one of the most abundant forest birds in
North America and they are also one of the most variable species
with several subspecies. The bird has a round head, fairly long
tail, stout bill and crisp markings. The junco’s color pattern
differs with different regions, but in Oklahoma juncos have a
slate gray head and chest with a white belly and pale bill. The
outer tail feathers are white and can be seen during flight.
Juncos inhabit a variety of habitats. In the spring and summer
they can be found in the coniferous and deciduous forests of
North America. In the winter, juncos can be found anywhere from
parks to backyards and roadsides. Juncos are usually solitary
but during cold winter months they will form small flocks. They
may also form mixed flocks with other small, seed-eating birds
like chickadees and nuthatches. Within the flock, a strong
hierarchy is present and centered around one dominant male. At
feeders, this hierarchy may lead to aggressive behavior and
flashing of the tail feathers.
Dark-eyed juncos are ground foragers and hop rather than walk.
Like many other species of birds, they are primarily seed eaters
although they do eat insects during their breeding season. They
mainly forage for food on the ground but sometimes they fly very
low in underbrush collecting food from twigs and leaves. At
feeders they favor millet, but will also eat milo, thistle and
finely cracked corn.
In the summer breeding months, males are very territorial. They
claim their territory by singing from the top of the tallest
tree in a two to three-acre area. Juncos are monogamous and only
have one mate per breeding season. Males will fan or flick open
their wings and tail, hop up and down, and pick up pieces of
nesting materials to lure a mate. Usually males with the most
white in their tail are a female’s first choice. Juncos don’t
reuse their nests, so every year females build a new one.
Nesting material like twigs and moss are weaved together while
the female’s body gives the nest its shape. It can take a female
three to seven days to build a nest but the male often helps by
bringing material.
Like many other bird species, dark-eyed juncos play an important
role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. As seed and insect
eaters, they help disperse seeds and help control insect
populations. Watching these birds at backyard feeders is an
enjoyable pastime. Birding is easy to learn, inexpensive, and
fun for all ages. Dark-eyed juncos are one of the most common
visitors to backyard feeders so there is an excellent chance of
spotting them. They favor yards with older, mature trees and low
shrubbery. Platform or ground feeders are preferred but they
will also eat fallen seeds from hanging feeders.
Every winter the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation encourages people to participate in the annual Winter Bird Feeder Survey. The survey lets bird enthusiasts contribute to bird conservation while enjoying their favorite pastime. Learn more about participating at wildlifedepartment.com or www.okwinterbirds.com