Attracting Dark-eyed Juncos to Your Backyard Feeders
Dark-eyed Juncos are a common sight in North American backyards, especially during the winter when their foraging behaviors bring them closer to human habitats.
Nicknamed "Snowbirds" because their plumage is gray on top and light below similar to the gray sky and snowy ground.
Also, they're often first to the winter bird feeding station.
Dark-eyed Junco (Snowbird) Feeding on Seeds
If you're looking to attract Dark-eyed Juncos to your yard, understanding their favorite bird seed and creating the right feeding environment is key.
Let's explore the juncos' favorite bird seed and discuss tips on attracting them to your backyard feeders.
What Is the Best Bird Seed for Juncos?
When it comes to attracting these birds, not all bird seeds are created equal.
Juncos have specific preferences, and offering their favorite foods can make a big difference in how often they visit your feeders.
- Millet: Millet is by far one of juncos favorite bird seeds. It's small, easy for them to eat, and packed with nutrients.
White proso millet is especially favored by these birds, and scattering it on the ground can mimic their natural foraging habits.
- Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: While Dark-eyed Juncos beaks aren't for cracking open sunflower seeds, they'll pick up dropped seed on the ground or hulled seed if it's offered.
- Cracked Corn: Another excellent option for attracting juncos is cracked corn.
Its small size and accessibility make it a favorite choice for ground feeders like the junco.
Ensure that the corn is finely cracked to prevent choking hazards.
- Nyjer Seed (Thistle): Though it's more popular with finches, juncos will also eat nyjer seed when it's available.
Mix it with other seeds to cater to a variety of birds while still appealing to juncos.
Tip: Avoid using large seeds like striped sunflower seeds or whole peanuts, as juncos tend to avoid these due to their small beaks.
Creating a Junco-Friendly Feeding Station
Beyond providing their favorite bird seeds, you'll also want to create an inviting feeding environment for these members of the sparrow family.
These birds are ground feeders, so how and where you place your feeders will influence their likelihood of visiting.
Platform Ground Feeder For Juncos
- Scatter Seed on the Ground: Juncos are most comfortable feeding on the ground, so scattering seed below your feeders can help attract them.
You can also use a platform feeder close to the ground to keep food clean and dry while catering to their foraging behavior.
- Choose Low Perches: If you prefer to use traditional feeders, opt for models with low perches or place them closer to the ground.
Juncos will be more inclined to use feeders that mimic their natural environment.
- Offer Shelter: Dark-eyed Juncos are shy birds that prefer to stay close to cover.
Plant low shrubs or dense evergreen trees near your feeding station to give them a sense of security.
A sheltered feeding area also protects them from predators.
- Provide Clean Water: Like all birds, juncos need access to fresh water.
A shallow birdbath close to the ground will meet their hydration needs while attracting more birds to your yard.
When to Expect Dark-eyed Juncos at Your Feeders
While juncos can be found year-round in some regions, they are most commonly seen in backyards during fall and winter.
Slate-colered Junco Under Feeder
As the weather cools and natural food sources become scarce, Dark-eyed Juncos will flock to feeders in search of easy-to-find food.
In spring and summer, they tend to move to higher elevations or forested areas for breeding, so feeder activity may decrease during these seasons.
To keep them returning throughout the colder months, continue replenishing your feeders regularly, ensuring that their favorite seeds are always available.
Let's Recap
Attracting Dark-eyed Juncos to your backyard can be a rewarding experience for families, seniors like myself, and a great idea for schools and elder care facilities.
By offering their favorite bird seeds, such as millet, cracked corn, and black oil sunflower seeds, on a ground feeder you can enjoy these bird inexpensively.
Remember, to add a source of fresh water and a safe, sheltered spot, and your backyard will soon become a junco haven.