Western Juncos have a black hood with a chestnut mantle, but still sport that telltale white or buff belly. These lively territorial birds are primarily ground dwellers and feed on seeds, insects, berries and small fruits in the open. Juncos prefer openings and edges of conifers and mixed woods, bordering a stream, pond, lake, trail or mountain meadow. They are found in abundance along roadsides, parks and suburban gardens. Juncos are common in the northern parts of North America during the spring and summer breeding months, and more abundant in the southern reaches during fall and winter.
Juncos like to eat primarily on the ground or in ground feeders as shown.
Some Tips on Attracting Juncos to Your Backyard Juncos are primarily ground feeders, and enjoy the millet found in mixed bird seed, sunflower hearts and cracked corn spread on the ground or in a special ground level platform feeder. Ground level platform bird feeders offer a large feeding area and mesh bottoms that will keep the food off the ground, keep it fresher and allow for drainage. Juncos can sometimes be attracted to suet if it is offered low to the ground. Juncos are particularly fond of the seeds from cosmos and zinnia. Consider leaving a space in your yard untended and free of chemicals.