Dark-eyed Juncos in Washington

Dark-eyed Juncos live in Washington all year. Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward grass and weed seeds.

Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.

Across Washington, 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.

Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, 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 Washington's winter: Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.

Full diet breakdown for juncos · Best feeder for juncos