Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

✨ Shiny — winter rarity
Winter only — roughly November through March✨ Shiny — winter rarity

The take

The snowbird — when the juncos arrive under the feeder, Charlotte's winter has started.

How to ID it

  • Slate-gray or brown above with a crisp white belly and small pink bill
  • White outer tail feathers flash open in flight
  • Hops on the ground under feeders and shrubs giving high chip notes

Field marks at a glance

Size
small
Head
slate gray (dark hood)
Call
high smacking chips; loose trills

Where & when

Winter only — roughly November through March

Learn more

Sources