Pacific Northwest Juncos

Here in the Pacific Northwest, Juncos are visible year-round. These sweet little songbirds are often referred to as Snowbirds because they seem to appear when it snows and stick around all winter. However, these little crooners usually react more to the lack of daylight than temperature. Colder temperatures don't bother Juncos much (they gain as much as 30% more feathers in winter), but darkness rattles them. It's possible that they don't see as well in the dark, especially under leaves and bushes on dreary days. In that case, they might move on to a more cheerful environment. However, I've found no information to back my beliefs.

A flock of Juncos is called a flutter, chittering, host, or crew, and they often fly with Sparrows, Chickadees, or Kinglets.

While Juncos in the Pacific Northwest are typically about 5.5 to 6.5 inches long, brown or grayish, with dark heads and eyes and flashes of white in their tail feathers, you can find Juncos in many parts of the world in different colors, shapes, and sizes. They can also exhibit unique behaviors. At least 630 million Juncos inhabit our continent's parks, forests, and suburban habitats.

There are as many as fifteen sub-species of Juncos, with five common ones: the Oregon, the Slate-colored, the Grey-headed, the Pink-sided, and the White-winged. However, they are all the same species and are related to the Sparrow. They are recognizable by their black eyes, dark hoods, light underbellies, and a flash of white in their tails as they take flight, accompanied by a shrill song.

While Juncos can soar, Juncos spend over 60% of their time on the ground, hopping and running from one place to another across grassy areas in search of seeds and under ground-covering plants, such as ivy and bushes, where they often nest. However, when inclined, they may also set up homes in hanging planters and under porch steps in rural areas.

Dark-eyed juncos make a variety of sounds and calls. They chirp, twitter, warble, whistle, and trill. They sing similarly to that of the Sparrow, which I've heard are relatives. To warn you, Juncos sing extremely loud during Spring (the mating season). If you rescue one and consider raising it, you'll have to be willing to listen to loud bird songs for hours on end, especially if your Junco is a male. However, the rest of the year, both males and females sing quieter songs. Some sound barely audible, more like whispers.

Watching Juncos can be a delightful experience. Of all birds, Juncos are the most endearing. They have almost human-like expressions and gestures. Watching them take a bath is pure pleasure because of their obvious enjoyment.