Dark-Eyed Junco

31 Jul Dark-Eyed Junco

Throughout the past several months in Monterey County I’ve become accustomed to a small, energetic bird named the Dark-Eyed Junco living around my house.   The first time I spotted him in April, I identified him as a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, simply because I couldn’t find a better match.  Much like the Gnatcatcher, the Dark-eyed Junco has a black head and lighter brown-grey body.  The tails of each have a definitive white band running along the outside edge which ‘flicks’ as the bird takes off, signaling to others of potential threats.  Thankfully, this past weekend I was readily informed by an acquaintance of the birds true identity.

The Dark-Eyed Junco is one of the more common birds in North America.  In the ’96-’97 Project FeederWatch season it was the most common feeder bird in North America.  Perhaps because of their broad patronage across the continent, there are several subspecies, usually tied to particular regions.  The Junco I see on a daily basis must be a member of the ‘Oregon Junco’ subspecies due to its handsome black head.  It’s actually quite distinct, the contrast between head and body–though dark in color, you can pick one of these little guys out very well.  And they’re fun to watch.  They regularly flit around the yard, sometimes hovering for a moment over a particular spot until they are content with their ‘spot’.If you’re in North America, there’s a good chance you’ll see a Junco! Keep your eye out for the black head.