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The Juncos, genus Junco, are small American sparrows. Their systematics are still very confusing after decades of research, with various authors accepting between three and twelve species. Despite their name appearing to derive from the Spanish term for the plant genus Juncus (rushes), these birds are seldom found among rush plants as these prefer wet ground while juncos rather like dry soil.

Junco

The Juncos, genus Junco, are small American sparrows. Their systematics are still very confusing after…

"Junco hiemalis. Eastern Snow-bird. Black Snow-bird. Blackish-ash, below abruptly pure white from the breast, the sides shaded with ashy. In the summer, and most fall and winter specimens, the upper parts have a more grayish, or even a decidedly brownish, cast, and the inner secondaries are edged with pale bay. The slaty-black intense on the head; belly and crissum pure white, the line between the two transverse or convex forward; wings and tail blackish, with slightly hoary edging of some feathers; 2-3 lateral tail feathers pure white, wholly or in great part. No rusty brown on back or sides; any shade on the sides ashy, not pinkish. Bill pinkish-white, or flesh-color, usually black-tipped." Elliot Coues, 1884

Eastern Snow-bird

"Junco hiemalis. Eastern Snow-bird. Black Snow-bird. Blackish-ash, below abruptly pure white from the…