The Dark-eyed Junco 
(Junco hyemalis) is about 6 inches long. It is
found throughout the US and Canada. There are a variety of forms.
Many have a darker head and breast set off from the white belly.
Previously thought to be four different species: Oregon, White-winged,
Grey-headed and Slate-colored. The pictured bird here is a juvenile.
The plush bird is a White-winged form.
The voice is a ringing metallic trill on
the same pitch. Members of a flock may spread out widely, but
keep in contact by constantly calling with a tsick or tchet.
Also a soft buzzy trill in flight. The junco feeds on seeds and
fruits.
The Junco can be found throughout the US
and Canada, and is seen by many people in the winter when it
frequents parks and neighborhood yards and picks through the
brush along roadsides. Juncos breed in coniferous or mixed woodlands.
The nest is built in a hidden spot on the ground and is generally
made of mosses, bark and twigs. There can be from 3 to 6 eggs
laid. They are pale blue or green with blotches at the larger
end.
The plush junco shown above is made by
Wild Republic and is part of their Audubon
Birds collection. These birds are unique in that when squeezed
they will utter their own particular call.
