Bird Calls Radio's Bird of the Day for Monday, Aug. 22

The Bird Calls Radio Bird of the Day for Monday, Aug. 22, is the dark-eyed junco. The dark-eyed junco is one of our common feeder birds in the winter, often hanging out with white-throated sparrows. They are, however, rarely seen on feeders as they stick to the ground to find their seed. That’s why it’s important to throw a few handfuls of seed on the ground during winter.

Juncos are members of the sparrow family. They are seen in great numbers throughout New England in the winter, and are more scarce during the summer. In fact, in southern New England, it’s rare to see one in the summer.

Male juncos are slate gray and white, while females vary from lighter gray to brownish, with white underneath. All in all, a good bird to have around. They even eat weed seeds, such as the one pictured above.