Yellow-eyed Junco

The Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus) is a charming bird, a member of the small New World sparrows. It is distinguished by its striking yellow eyes, which contrast with its otherwise muted plumage. The bird's overall coloration is a blend of dusky browns and greys, with a notable brown back, a feature hinted at in its scientific name.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Yellow-eyed Junco, look for its distinctive yellow eyes, which are a key characteristic. The bird's upper parts are a mix of grey and brown, while the underparts tend to be paler. The bill is usually pinkish.

Habitat

This species is found in mountainous regions, where it frequents coniferous and mixed forests. It is also known to inhabit areas with abundant shrubbery.

Distribution

The Yellow-eyed Junco's range is primarily within Mexico, but it extends into the southern mountainous regions of Arizona and New Mexico in the United States.

Behaviour

The Yellow-eyed Junco is not generally known to migrate, but it may move to lower elevations during the winter months. It is a ground forager and can often be seen hopping along the forest floor.

Breeding

Females lay between three to five pale grey or bluish-white eggs. They nest in open cups made of dried grass and may breed two to three times a year. Incubation lasts approximately 15 days, and the young are ready to fledge about two weeks after hatching.

Similar Species

The Baird's Junco (Junco bairdi) was once considered a subspecies of the Yellow-eyed Junco but is now recognized as a separate species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Yellow-eyed Junco consists mainly of seeds, berries, and insects, which it forages from the ground.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Yellow-eyed Junco as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.