Dark-eyed Junco

Description:

This male was sitting on a nice perch about 2 meters above the ground while there was 2 females feeding on the ground. He seem to be in defense mode - protecting the nest. Male Juncos have a black head and neck and a white belly. The sides and back can be variable, especially here in the west. This one has light tan sides and some brown on the back.

Habitat:

Spotted in a blackberry thicket along the BPA trail in Federal Way, Wa. In the boreal region, it nests in both coniferous and hardwood forests, especially those with relatively sparse tree cover and dense understory. Elsewhere, it occurs in virtually any habitat with sufficiently dense low vegetation for nesting.