WEST JUNEAU WEEKLY PICTURE
A Dark-Eyed Junco (Oregon subspecies shown) – Twice Life-Size
Dark-Eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Two subspecies in Alaska: Slate-Colored which breeds north of Yakutat Bay and Oregon which breeds south of Yakutat Bay. Both occur in Southeastern Alaska when not breeding, however in West Juneau the Slate-colored subspecies is rarely seen.
Common in Southeastern Alaska in Spring, Summer, and Fall, Uncommon in Winter but frequently seen in West Juneau during the winter.
Normal Length: 5-1/2"
Habitat: Breeding – coniferous forests and forest edges, clearings, muskegs. Nests on the ground. Easily attracted to feeders.
Song: Loud, musical trill, all on one pitch.
Picture by David Kent, 11:14 a.m. ADT, September 8, 2005, © 2005