Dark eyed junkos - ground nesters.

Male (left) and female (right) dark-eyed juncos.  Female on nest (inset).

Dark-eyed juncos exist as various subspecies; four are recognized.  The above photos represent the Oregon variety.  Even within subspecies, I find a range of subtle colour variations.  I have photographed them along the Pacific coast in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and, as of yesterday, taken shots of them in the central Okanagan too.  There are different shades of black on the male, the buff colour on their sides beneath the wings, and on their backs.

The two main photos were taken in Kelowna while the female inset was shot in Washington.  If you want to see a photographic display of the different subspecies, click here (Thespruce.com).  

Their range is from central Mexico into northern Canada; they will overwinter on both west and east coasts and on much of the prairies.  They are primarily seed eaters, although they will take insects during breeding season.  Winter foraging involves visiting seed pods above the snow level or, when the snow departs, from foraging on the ground.  The junco nests I have seen have been on the ground, although they will apparently nest above ground level.

You can always spot a junco in the air; their outside tail feathers flash white glimpses as they flit along.  I always enjoy seeing them.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com