Dark-eyed Juncos in Northwest Territories
When juncos are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect juncos in Northwest Territories
Dark-eyed Juncos are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles, caterpillars and moths.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, 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.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- Dark-eyed Juncos don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, willow (bebb), dwarf birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract juncos
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 4 provide food or cover juncos use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
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 Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are juncos in Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Dark-eyed Juncos are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do juncos nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for juncos.
Dark-eyed Juncos in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
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 — Northwest Territories
- 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.