Dark-eyed Juncos in Minnesota

Dark-eyed Juncos live in Minnesota all year. Temperatures below 0°F are routine — heated water, suet and roost boxes are survival aids, not extras. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Continental, with very cold winters and warm summers; prairie in the west, boreal forest in the northeast.

Across Minnesota, juncos typically nest from June–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 short, intense breeding season; most nesting runs May through July.

• 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota's winter: Temperatures below 0°F are routine — heated water, suet and roost boxes are survival aids, not extras.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos