I love Juncos. They are the cutest little birds. Pretty brave little things, too. They fly just far enough away to watch you yet staying out of harms way. You can see this one wasn't worried about being a little close to the front door while feasting on a frozen pumpkin we had on the porch until last week.
They are our 'snow birds'. We rarely see them any other time of the year. But when winter comes they're like sparrows in the summer. They are every where.
Their beady little black eyes blend in with their almost ebony feathers, making them appear to have no eyes at all. Their white bellies are a bright contrast to the dark feathers. Their bills are a fleshy pink color. The females are a little lighter than the males, with some appearing to have a little brown mixed in with the black at times.
They are ground feeders, preferring to live and feed near or around thickets or wooded areas. As you see here, they don't mind a feeder either. Especially when there is snow and ice on everything. This makes it a little easier to hunt for food. The heck with the woods when there's a feeder around.
Many call them 'NUN' birds because of the Habit appearance of their feathers. Black on White.
Most of the time these little guys go unnoticed. People believe they are sparrows that forgot to leave for the winter or just plain don't pay attention to what they have at their feeders. Take a close look. You probably have Juncos if those 'sparrows' are feeding on the ground. Sparrows will feed on the feeders.
They are about 6" in length, just a little larger than a Chickadee and just as cute. Got any Juncos by you?
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Comments: 40
Didn't get much ice at all the other day but looks like we're about to get what you just got. At least I'm off for four days! woohoo.
Ewww, Kathy, I would NEVER eat them. lol
Paula I'm glad you didn't get the ice. This one is bad enough. Hope it misses you. We had Blue Jays, Cardinals, Chickadees, Juncos, House Wrens and Woodpeckers at the feeder all at once today. It was pretty colorful. I couldn't get the camera fast enough to get them all. :(
Victoria, according to my handy dandy little Kaufman Field Guide To Birds of North America, they winter almost all over the US and migrate right through your area in the spring and fall. The only place they don't winter is in the southwest. So, take a closer look at some of those ground feeders.
I can see where you would miss some of the birds with your camera.
I would not be able to be that fast either.
Its time for another trip to the snow for me.
What kind of bird seed do juncos like to eat? Anything specific? All my feeders hang from trees. Will they eat from those, or do I need sometihng out in the yard stuck in the ground? I want a field guide to birds book!!!!!
Joy, Those pictures of the feeder was taken through the kitchen window. That's why they are a little blurry. They're taken through glass, plastic and screens. :)
Hee-Hee Victoria, isn't that a good feeling? I love letting my hubby know when he's wrong. lol I just get a mix of wild bird seed. I also throw out cracked corn. I have Mourning Doves that depend on that. ;) I Throw out about 4 cups a day and let them have a feast. Yesterday we probably threw out 8 cups because it kept getting covered with ice and sleet.
LOL I just had to come and laugh at you for posting the guy with his pants low........... welcoming my other daughter. LOL She will love that. LOL
I'm fine. I don't get any notices either. Once in a while I'll get one and that's it. Everything is set to receive them but I don't.
You weren't suppose to be looking at your daughter's post. Hee-Hee! I told Victoria she may want to warn her about some of us. :)
LOL Tina is a great gal just like Victoria. You will just love her to pieces.
I went to Victoria's article and you left a photo for her too. LOL You are so BADDDD!!!! LOL
They are cute little birds Donna. I had 48 at the feeder this morning. That is counting REALLY fast. I had just thrown the seed out and they came in a huge flock and just sat there and pigged out.
That ought to get them excited and happy, especially if there is a version designed for male juncos.
LOL your comment with the photo of the guy is getting all the females worked up. LOL
I had to laugh at Jane's comment on Victoria's article.
This is Jane's comment. LOL
I'll have to welcome her!
Jane C., Dec 13, 2007, 12:20am EST
After I stop staring at the man with "Hi Victoria" written nicely on a pair of...briefs. . ;)
Suddenly I'm not so cold anymore.
Jane C., Dec 13, 2007, 12:22am EST
I commented back and told Jane you were showing your "wild" side. LOL
Hope you have a wonderful day today. LOL
You naughty girl. LOL
Jane, I'm glad you enjoyed the briefs.
Connie, I have a special bond going with Victoria. You have one awesome daughter there, ya know. I'll have to go over there and comment again. :) I was being a little naughty. Sorry. ;)
ROB, HI. BRAT!! BTW you do have those down there. Mom and dad feed them. They are probably all over at their house cause they know you won't feed them. :) How's it going. Hope you freeze your little butt off. It's suppose to warm up to 30 by this weekend I think. Woo-Hoo! I love warm fronts. Hee-Hee!
My name is Ann..I have no pic to add cause I don't have computer smarts,yet that is ok with me..
I'm from the Windsor, Ontario area..across from Detroit, Michigan and I love bird watching, feeding etc..Loved your juncos..I have lots here..ground fed..even had a white dove for many months..