Often called "snowbird," this species shows a tremendous amount of variation across the continent. The 12 subspecies fall into six identifiable groups, described below. In all plumages, white outer tail feathers are obvious in flight. All but one subspecies show a pale pinkish bill. In most populations, females are paler and more brownish than males. All have white bellies. Juveniles show basic pattern of adults, but with extensive streaking throughout.

Slate-colored Junco: Uniform dark gray upperparts, sides, and hood, sharply contrasting with white belly. Rare individuals have two white wing bars. This is the only race common east of the Great Plains.

White-winged Junco: Similar to Slate-colored, but lighter gray overall with darker lores, two whitish wing bars, and more white in the tail. This is the largest subspecies.

Oregon Junco: Dark gray to black hood contrasts with warm brown upperparts and pinkish brown sides. This is the smallest subspecies.

Pink-sided Junco: Similar to Oregon Junco, but with much paler gray hood, contrasting dark lores, and pinkish sides.

Gray-headed Junco: Pale gray overall, with blackish lores and a well defined rufous back. There is very little contrast between the pale gray hood and sides, and the whitish belly.

Red-backed Junco: Nearly identical to Gray-headed, but with a bicolored bill (dark upper mandible, pale lower). Some individuals show rufous on the wing coverts and tertials.

Length: 15 (cm) Wingspan: 23 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a musical trill, all on one pitch. Call is a sharp tsit. Red-backed Junco's song begins with two slurred notes, followed by a dry trill, similar to song of Yellow-eyed Junco.

Habitat:

Nests in coniferous and mixed forests, winters in brushy areas, roadsides, residential areas.

Behavior:

During winter, this is among the most common feeder birds across the North American continent.

Feeding:

Forages for seeds and insects, usually on or close to the ground.