Dark-eyed Juncos in Idaho

Dark-eyed Juncos live in Idaho all year. Cold winters with inversions in the valleys; mountain finches and Bohemian Waxwings move into towns. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.

Across Idaho, juncos typically nest from May–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.

Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for Idaho, 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 Idaho's winter: Cold winters with inversions in the valleys; mountain finches and Bohemian Waxwings move into towns.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos