Dark-eyed Juncos in Michigan

Dark-eyed Juncos live in Michigan all year. Lake-effect snow and long cold spells; Purple Finches breed in the north and winter farther south. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Humid continental, strongly shaped by the Great Lakes; colder and snowier in the Upper Peninsula.

Across Michigan, 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.

A compressed nesting season; bluebirds usually manage one or two broods.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for Michigan, 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 Michigan's winter: Lake-effect snow and long cold spells; Purple Finches breed in the north and winter farther south.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos