Dark-eyed Juncos in Montana

Dark-eyed Juncos live in Montana all year. Very cold winters on the plains, with chinook winds bringing sudden thaws. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Continental — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.

Across Montana, 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.

Warm, dry summers and a short growing season.

• 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 Montana, 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 Montana's winter: Very cold winters on the plains, with chinook winds bringing sudden thaws.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos