The slate-colored Junco comes down from the North to spend the winter in
a more moderate climate. He may be first seen toward the last of
September. The departure for the North is made about the first of May.
They are certainly welcome visitors, coming as they do when most of our
smaller birds have gone on further South. In small flocks, these plump
little birds hop and fly, here and there, over the snow, searching for
weed seeds and other food.
Song: The notes that are more frequently heard are sharp little
"_tsips_" given rather as a call note than as a song. The true
music or regular song of the Junco is a decidedly musical trill.
Sometimes, when disturbed, the birds will utter a short "_smack!_"
and fly to some other place where they may be uninterrupted in
their hunting.
Markings: The Junco is a very trim little bird, with a somewhat stylish
appearance. He is quite plump and has a covering of neat slate
color above and upon the throat in a "bib" formation. The belly is
white. Two very conspicuous white outer tail feathers are the most
striking identification marks.
Bill: This bird is a member of the Sparrow family. He has a thick,
pointed little bill that is of great service in crushing seeds.
When the sun shines directly through this bill, a flesh-colored
pink is shown.
Nest: The Junco nests from northern New York and New England, northward.
The nest is made of fine rootlets, grasses, and moss, interwoven
and built upon the ground or just above in small bushes, and lined
with hairs.
Remarks: The sociability of the Junco is mainly responsible for his
traveling in small flocks during the winter time. Crumbs and
similar foods are greatly welcomed by this bird, who will often
come quite near to human homes if sufficiently invited. The flash
of white and gray is a welcome sight as a small band of these
birds comes flying into the garden when the clouds above are heavy
and gray with oncoming snow. It is at this time that we most
appreciate their company.
[Illustration: _The Junco--6¾ inches_]