Dark-eyed juncos, Junco hyemalis are winter visitors to Illinois. Although some may show up as early as October, they are regarded as winter migrants or snow birds. These are small sparrow-sized birds that are found on the forest floor and at bird feeders. Most of their life activities are on the ground.
They are one of the most common birds in North America. If you want to attract them to your feeder, provide them with: black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, safflower, nyjer, cracked corn, peanut hearts, millet, oats or milo on platform or ground feeders. (List of seeds provided by Project FeederWatch.) You’ll be able to enjoy watching these perky birds until they migrate back to their breeding grounds further north in the spring.
Thanks to Debbie Groat for the junco photo.
