Identification - The Dark-eyed Junco is about the size of a sparrow which shows some geographical variation in its plumage. Males of western populations have black heads and reddish-brown backs with buffy sides and white underparts. Some may show a gray head. Eastern populations are a dark slate overall with white bellies. All juncos have pale pink bills and flashing white outer tail feathers.
Morsels - The Dark-eyed Junco is a common feeder bird, but are we feeding them what they want? Tests on seed preferences show that there are regional differences in what they prefer to eat. Juncos preferred cracked corn in the northeastern United States and milo in the southwestern United States. If you want to know what your juncos prefer, offer them a selection of seeds and watch closely to see which they eat first.