Though
they call North Carolina home all year, dark-eyed juncos only take up
residence in the Piedmont in winter. The birds migrate here from higher
elevations in the state, as well as northern locales. Common names for
this small gray and white bird such as "snowbird" and "snow bunting"
are based on the observation that their arrival precedes cold weather.
Even their species name, hyemalis, is Latin for "wintry." Juncos
migrate in small flocks and are easily recognized by the white stripe
on either side of their gray tails. They return to the same area every
winter, so watch for flocks feeding on the ground and see if "wintry"
weather arrives.
Though
they call North Carolina home all year, dark-eyed juncos only take up
residence in the Piedmont in winter. The birds migrate here from higher
elevations in the state, as well as northern locales. Common names for
this small gray and white bird such as "snowbird" and "snow bunting"
are based on the observation that their arrival precedes cold weather.
Even their species name, hyemalis, is Latin for "wintry." Juncos
migrate in small flocks and are easily recognized by the white stripe
on either side of their gray tails. They return to the same area every
winter, so watch for flocks feeding on the ground and see if "wintry"
weather arrives.