Dark-eyed Juncos in New York

Dark-eyed Juncos live in New York all year. Long, snowy winters upstate; lake-effect snow belts make feeders and roost boxes important. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Humid continental, from cold Adirondack highlands to the maritime-moderated coast of Long Island.

Across New York, 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.

Warm summers with a shorter nesting season upstate than downstate.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for New York, 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 New York's winter: Long, snowy winters upstate; lake-effect snow belts make feeders and roost boxes important.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos