Birds Page 2

Dark-eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis
(Slate-colored variant)

13 - 16 cm. The Dark-eyed Junco shows much geographical variation in color. The variety of the southern Rockys is grey all over with a reddish-brown back for both the male and female. It is a lively territorial bird. It is a ground dweller that feeds on seeds and small fruits in clearings of the coniferous forest. Juncos are commonly called "Snowbirds" because they herald winter and are often seen feeding on snow covered berry bushes and grasses. They travel in flocks with one leader. Members of a flock keep in touch with a constantly calling tsick or tchet. They lay 3 - 6 bluish or greenish eggs, with variegated blotches in a compact nest of rootlets, shreds of bark, twigs and mosses, lined with grasses and hair, placed on the ground protected by a rock ledge, a mud bank, tufts of weeds or a fallen log. They prefer eating seeds spilled on the ground: white proso millet, red proso millet, and cracked corn. They enjoy gardens gone to seed and having water nearby.

Very common in winter and will visit platform feeders. Photo shows "slate-colored" variant, which has a solid gray on the head, back and sides.

Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed variant)

The Gray-headed Junco is a variant of the Dark-eyed Junco. This variant has a reddish patch on the back. Very common winter visitor at any bird feeder.

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon variant)

The Oregon Junco is a variant of the Dark-eyed Junco. This variant has a black or slate hood and chestnut back. Very common winter visitor at any bird feeder.

White-crowned Sparrow

They will visit platform feeders in winter and are fairly common.

Cedar Waxwing (rare)

These elegant little nomads may be be present in large flocks in their search for wild berries. Flocks have been seen sporadically in White Rock.