Is the dark-eyed junco carnivorous?
Dark-eyed juncos eat insects, non-insect arthropods, and seeds during the fall and winter. They are often seen at bird feeders during migration and in the winter months, but they prefer to search for food on the ground.
Are dark-eyed Juncos aggressive?
Juncos are generally monogamous (one male to one female) defending their territory during the nesting and breeding season. Where their ranges overlap the different races interbreed freely and all are called Dark-eye Juncos. Males are very aggressive in defending their territories from other males.
Why are dark-eyed Juncos called snowbirds?
We call them “snowbirds,” because they leave as soon as the snow begins to fall and temperatures drop. But there’s another type of snowbird — the Dark-eyed Junco. Although you may see Dark-eyed Juncos here in summer, come fall, many, many more arrive to spend the winter.
Where are dark-eyed Juncos found?
Dark-eyed Juncos breed in coniferous or mixed-coniferous forests across Canada, the western U.S., and in the Appalachians. During winter you’ll find them in open woodlands, fields, parks, roadsides, and backyards.
Why do juncos sing?
Calls. Juncos have a high, short chip note that they often give in rapid succession when they fly and more slowly as they forage; the note may encourage other juncos to follow. A sharp but musical kew seems to indicate aggression and encourages two birds to move apart; it’s usually given by the dominant bird.
Do Male juncos sit on nest?
Males court the female. Then the female chooses the nest site and she builds the nest, usually concealed on the ground. Both parents feed the nestlings and continue to do so for a couple of weeks after the young leave the nest. Juncos are monogamous during the nesting season, but may choose new mates each year.
Do juncos mean snow?
Call them juncos or snowbirds, their return means temperatures are dropping and snow will soon fly. And they’re right on time. They return each year in October and stay the winter. Their return north in April is a reliable sign that winter’s really over.
Do juncos like the snow?
Snow and cold temperatures work their magic to bring birds like juncos to our feeders. It would be easy to overlook this small bird.
What is a flock of juncos called?
These small birds are very social and will gather in flocks that may have two dozen birds or more. A flock of juncos is called a chittering, flutter, crew, or host. Juncos will also join mixed flocks with chickadees, sparrows, and kinglets.
