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Wildlife
- Birds - |
Dark-eyed Junco
(Junco hyemalis) Y/W |
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RANGE: Breeds from Alaska and central Yukon to
Labrador and Newfoundland, south to central coastal California,
in the mountains to eastern California, central Arizona, and
western Texas, southern Alberta, northern and east-central
Minnesota, central Michigan, southern New England, and in the
Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia and northwestern South
Carolina; also in the Black Hills. Winters from central and
south coastal Alaska, coastal British Columbia and across
southern Canada south to Mexico, the Gulf Coast, and northern
Florida.
STATUS: Common to abundant.
HABITAT: Occurs from sea level to timberline in a variety of
wooded habitats that have openings with dense herbaceous ground
cover, including coniferous and deciduous forests, forest edges,
woodland clearings, stream borders, open woodlands, brushy cover
bordering mountain meadows, and old burns. Avoids deep forest
interiors in favor of woodland edges and openings. In winter,
prefers weedy fields but also inhabits open woodlands,
hedgerows, suburbs, and farmyards.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Openings in wooded habitats
covered with dense herbaceous vegetation such as grasses or
forbs. Strongest Oregon nesting habitat association in subalpine
scattered trees and shrubs and edges of recently cutover or
burned forest.
NEST: Commonly builds nest on the ground near the edge of
openings in wooded areas or in a slight depression, usually well
concealed under weeds, grasses, fallen logs, tree roots, or
other overhead shelter. Occasionally may place nest up to 8 feet
above ground in a shrub or tree.
FOOD: Forages on the ground, picking up seeds (mostly) and
insects.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Barrowclogh in Farrand 1983c,
Beal and McAtee 1912, DeGraff et al. 1980, Eaton in Bent 1968b,
Hostetter 1961, Martin et al. 1951, Miller 1999, Phelps in Bent
1968b, Shunk 2004, Sprunt in Bent 1968b, Thatcher in Bent 1968b,
Whitney in Bent 1968b. |
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