Dark Eyed 'slate - colored' Junko - Junko hyemalis

Description

Slate-gray above, white belly, dark eyes and pink bill.

Voice: one pitch trill - very similar to the Chipping Sparrow

Range: Breeds throughout much of Canada and the western United States. Also in New England south to Georgia. Winters throughout the United States into southern Canada.

The slate-colored form of this species is the only one that appears regularly in our yard. We discovered why they are called snow-birds. They are sure to show up at the feeder whenever it is snowing. While most of our other visitors seem to mix and mingle, these little guys appear to be shy. They are always a little off to the side out of harm's way.