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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CLXXIX
Field-journal plate: Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CLXXIX

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

Passerellidae · Taxon 10094

Length5.5–6.3 in (14–16 cm), both sexes
Wingspan7.1–9.8 in (18–25 cm), both sexes
Weight0.6–1.1 oz (18–30 g), both sexes

Field marks

  1. Small sparrow with a rounded head and fairly long tail
  2. Short, stout, pale pink bill
  3. Dark eye and slender pinkish-to-dark legs
  4. Highly variable gray, blackish, or brown upperparts contrasting with a pale belly
  5. White outer tail feathers flash conspicuously in flight
  6. Wings are dark and compact, usually without bold wing bars

HabitatBreeds mainly in open coniferous, mixed, and deciduous woodland, especially around edges and clearings. In migration and winter it also uses open woods, brush, fields, roadsides, parks, gardens, and other semi-open habitats.

BehaviorUsually forages on or near the ground, hopping and scratching through leaf litter or snow for seeds and insects. Often forms flocks outside the breeding season; its agile, low flight exposes flashing white outer tail feathers.

Palette

slate graycharcoal blackwarm brownsoft whitepale pink