Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed subspecies) on a branch at Sprague Lake.

NPS Photo / Rachel Ames

Size: 5.5-6.5”
Description: Gray-headed Juncos are mostly gray with a darker gray head, rust patch on the back and pink beak. All Juncos have white outer tail feathers that can be seen during flight.
Migratory Status: Gray-headed Juncos are year-round residents and the only breeding subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco in Rocky Mountain National Park. During winter and migration, the Oregon and Pink-sided subspecies can also be seen.
Habitat: Live in spruce-fir, ponderosa pine and aspen forests, and in wooded riparian areas to 11,000 feet in summer and 8,000 feet in winter.
Diet: Forage on the ground and eat mostly seeds and some insects.

 

• Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed Subspecies) (song)

  
  

  Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed subspecies) song recorded at Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

  Credit / Author:

  J. Job

  Date created:

  06/22/2015

  Audio Transcript

  Transcript due 4/1/2025

 

• Dark-eyed Junco (song)

  
  

  Dark-eyed Junco song recorded on the Black Canyon Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Note that a Mountain Chickadee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and jet can be heard in the background.

  Credit / Author:

  J. Job

  Date created:

  05/26/2016

  Audio Transcript

  Transcript due 4/1/2025

 

• Dark-eyed Junco (song)

  
  

  Dark-eyed Junco song recorded on the Fern Lake Trail of Rocky Mountain National Park.

  Credit / Author:

  J. Job

  Date created:

  06/10/2015

  Audio Transcript

  Transcript due 4/1/2025