Dark-eyed Juncos in Nevada

Dark-eyed Juncos live in Nevada all year. Cold, dry winters in Reno and the north; mild winters in the south. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Great Basin cold desert in the north and Mojave hot desert around Las Vegas.

Across Nevada, 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.

Very hot, dry summers; water is the top attractant.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for Nevada, 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 Nevada's winter: Cold, dry winters in Reno and the north; mild winters in the south.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos