Dark-eyed Junco

Every winter the Dark-eyed Junco departs from its northerly breeding grounds of summer and descends upon the lower 48 states. Some western and northeastern states have them year-round where they can be heard singing their pretty trilling song.

For those who only have juncos in winter, we only get to listen to their call and chip notes. Have you ever heard their call notes? Their “tew-tew-tew” call sounds like they are communicating in morse code.

Listen to the call here, http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/82346

You can listen to the song and chip notes here, http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id

Want to try and attract them to your yard?

Juncos are primarily ground feeders and are drawn to the millet and mixed seeds around the base of feeders or ground-tray feeders. They prefer blends like No-Mess or Deluxe.

They prefer to roost in evergreens at night; but, will also use tall grasses and brush piles. They return to the same roost location regularly, sharing it with other flock mates.

Now is a great time to attract Junco’s so you can listen to them throughout the season.