Dark-eyed Juncos in Newfoundland and Labrador
When juncos are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect juncos in Newfoundland and Labrador
Dark-eyed Juncos are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles, caterpillars and moths.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, 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.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- Dark-eyed Juncos don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, red maple, willow (bebb) for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract juncos
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 5 provide food or cover juncos use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding juncos through the Newfoundland and Labrador year
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 Newfoundland and Labrador's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are juncos in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. Dark-eyed Juncos are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do juncos nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador typically runs June–July, with 1–3 per season. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 11–13 days.
What native plants attract juncos in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Paper birch, Red maple, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for juncos.
Dark-eyed Juncos in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Sources
- Dark-eyed Junco — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Dark-eyed Junco life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Dark-eyed Junco — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Newfoundland and Labrador
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.