Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis

Identification Tips:

Length: 5.25-6 inches
Pink, conical bill
White outer tail feathers
Considerable geographic variation in plumage
Various forms were formerly considered separate species

"White-winged junco":

Medium gray head, breast and upperparts
White belly
White wing bars
Female and immatures somewhat browner than male
Breeds from Montana to Nebraska

"Oregon junco":

Dark gray head and breast
Brown back and wings
Buffy flanks
White belly
Female and immatures somewhat duller than male
Breeds from Alaska to California

"Slate-colored junco":

Dark gray head, breast and upperparts
White belly
Female and immatures somewhat browner than adult male and may have buffy flanks
Breeds in eastern United States and Canada

"Pink-sided junco":

Medium gray head and breast
Dark lores
Brown back and wings
Pinkinsh flanks
White belly
Female and immatures somewhat browner than male
Breeds from Alberta to Idaho

"Gray-headed junco":

Medium gray plumage, palest on belly
Rusty back
Dark lores
Sometimes has dark upper mandible
Breeds in Rocky Mountains

Similar species:

The Dark-eyed Junco is similar to the local (southeast Arizona) Yellow-eyed Junco but has dark eyes. Black-chinned sparrow has streaked back, brown wings and lacks white in the tail.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.

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