The Snow Bird From the North - The Dark-eyed Junco

 Dark-eyed Junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is in the sparrow family, but its markings are not like that of the typical brown, streaky sparrow. There are several types of Dark-eyed Junco, but the slate-colored one is the most common in my area. They are dark gray above, with a dark gray head, pink bill and white belly. When it flies, watch the tail. The outer tail feathers are white and that is a good way to identify them as they fly off. You may be unhappy with that squirrel that spills seed on the ground, but the Dark-eyed Junco appreciates it, as its usually a ground feeder.

I usually see the Dark-eyed Junco appear with the first snowfall of the year in South Dakota, which gives them the nickname of "snow birds". They leave at the end of winter to fly to Canada to their nesting grounds where they nest on the ground. 

Sometimes their bill looks pink.

Sometimes you can see brown feathers showing through. I see many Dark-eyed Juncos at my bird feeder complex during the winter.

Dark-eyed Juncos are small, round birds that are smaller than a Northern Cardinal.

VIDEOS:

Dark-eyed Juncos: Fun Facts About Their Winter Habits  {10 minutes}

The Dark-eyed Junco: A Hardy Winter Bird {about 11 minutes}

Dark-eyed Juncos on the All About Birds website - Notice the different kinds of juncos.