Geographic Variation in Dark-eyed Juncos: From Striking to Subtle

Jon Dunn and Kimball Garrett

Tue, Oct 12, 2021 7:00 PM

Juncos are distinctive and familiar New World sparrows that have diversified greatly in Middle and especially North America. Most birders are familiar with the various subspecies groups within the Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), and with winter approaching opportunities for studying this variation abound.

After reviewing the evolutionary history of the genus Junco, we’ll take a look at geographic variation in what we now call the Dark-eyed Junco, building on the classic work of Alden H. Miller. We’ll emphasize variation in the “Oregon” group and their distinctions from the “Slate-colored,” “White-winged,” “Pink-sided,” and “Gray-headed” groups, along with the intergrades between these groups.

Join us as Jon and Kimball attempt to sort out various taxonomic and nomenclatural conundrums that have plagued this fascinating group of birds.

Here is a video of the webinar: