Dark-eyed Junco look-alikes
Junco hyemalis
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Dark-eyed Junco. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Oregon Junco (subspecies)
Junco hyemalis oreganus
Key differences
Historically considered a separate species, now a subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco. Distinguished by a distinct dark hood, brown back and flanks, and white belly. Other Dark-eyed Junco forms lack the brown back and flanks.
Yellow-eyed Junco
Junco phaeonotus
Key differences
Found in the southwestern US and Mexico. Easily distinguished by its bright yellow eyes, bicolored bill (dark upper mandible, yellow lower mandible), and rufous patch on the back (similar to Gray-headed Junco, but with yellow eyes).
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
Key differences
Similar size and often found in similar habitats. Chipping Sparrows have a rusty cap, a white supercilium (eyebrow stripe), and a black eye-line. They lack the dark hood and white outer tail feathers of juncos. Their bill is also darker.
American Tree Sparrow
Spizelloides arborea
Key differences
Similar size and often found in winter flocks with juncos. American Tree Sparrows have a rusty cap, a bicolored bill (dark upper, yellow lower), and a distinct dark spot on the center of their breast. They lack the white outer tail feathers.
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