Dark-eyed Junco Calls
Many folks call the Dark-eyed Juncos a sign of winter and “snowbirds” since these birds appear in our backyards just as winter settles in. Learn more and listen to their sweet bird song.
Dark-eyed Juncos are medium-sized sparrows about 5 to 6 inches long with long tails; these winter-hearty birds breed in Canada and migrate to the U.S. in the winter season. They’re commonly found across the country. East of the Plains, the males have a darker slate grey and white color, and the females have a lighter color. In the West, these birds often have reddish-brown coloring on their backs or sides. Both have distinct white outer tail feathers that flash open when they take flight.
They are “ground birds” that nest on the ground (under trees or logs) and forage on the ground, hopping around and pecking at the ground for the seeds of weeds and grasses. They’ll also show up at bird feeds but tend to gather under the feeding tray.
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The male birds sing a sweet, musical trill lasting about 2 seconds. Calls include short, hard tsip, and excited high-pitched twitters.
Here, you can identify the sounds and bird song of the Dark-eyed Junco—compliments of The Macaulay Library at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Click here to listen to the sounds of other birds!
Have you heard of a Dark-eyed Junco? Add your comments below. Be sure to let us know where you live or where you’ve heard this bird sound before!
Jennifer Keating
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We have them every winter in southern New Hampshire. We look forward to their arrival and usually see them in groups of 3 to 8. Their little dances are so entertaining and endearing, and we are always sad when they depart in the spring. We've occasionally seen them until early summer and those late migraters are a real joy.
I love watchingj uncos at my feeders here in northern Illinois. I'm halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago, and have these adorable little guests each winter.
We have these Juncos foraging near the edge of the woods towards late February in Conn.
We have many of these friendly little juncos foraging under our feeders on the deck here in rural southwestern Ontario. In fact, I see one right now.
Saw a winter Junco in the backyard, NW OHIO, 11/17/23. Very bright coloring, hopping on ground as predicted.
In Northern Illinois we see these little birds all winter long. They will eat Niger seed that has fallen to the ground but seldom to you see them eating from a feeder. They are also know as Snowbirds, picking the small seeds from the snow.
I don't look forward to winter but it is nice when these cheery fellows show up, it is March now so they should be leaving soon. (Ohio)
They actually left April 15th the same exact day the swallows returned. See you next year!
I saw one through my telescope in my backyard
Yes we have lots here at Table Rock Lake,mo
