Dark-eyed Juncos in Utah

Dark-eyed Juncos live in Utah all year. Cold winters with valley inversions; mountain birds descend to backyards. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Semi-arid to arid, with the Wasatch Range rising above the Great Basin and red-rock canyon country in the south.

Across Utah, 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.

Hot, dry summers.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for Utah, 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 Utah's winter: Cold winters with valley inversions; mountain birds descend to backyards.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos