Dark-eyed Juncos in California

Dark-eyed Juncos live in California all year. Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Mediterranean along the coast and Central Valley, alpine in the Sierra Nevada, and desert in the southeast.

Across California, juncos typically nest from April–July. Nest site: cup on the ground, hidden under roots, banks or overhangs. Females lay 3–5 eggs, incubate for 11–13 days, and young leave the nest after 9–13 days.

Dry summers with little rain from May to October; water and summer-blooming natives matter more than extra seed.

• Dark-eyed Juncos don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as rabbitbrush, palo verde, prickly pear for nest sites.
• Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Of the regional native plants we track for California, these 8 provide food or cover juncos use:

Juncos are 'snowbirds' — they feed on the ground beneath feeders and are a sure sign winter has arrived in the south.

• Best foods: White proso millet, Hulled sunflower, Cracked corn.
• In California's winter: Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos