Junco

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Junco

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Emberizidae
Genus: Junco
Wagler, 1831
Species

See text.

The Juncos, genus Junco, comprise three to twelve species of small American sparrow.

Their breeding habitat is coniferous or mixed forest areas throughout North America, ranging from subarctic taiga to high altitude mountain forests in Mexico and Central America. They usually nest in a well-hidden location on the ground or low in a shrub or tree. Northern birds migrate farther south; southern populations are permanent residents or altitudinal migrants, moving only a short distance downslope to avoid severe winter weather in the mountains.

These birds forage on the ground. In winter, they often forage in flocks. They mainly eat insects and seeds.

"Junco" is the Spanish word for rush (the plant), though these birds are seldom found in rushes.

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