Female Dark-eyed Juncos (Male vs Female Identification)

A familiar sparrow-sized bird found throughout North America, the black-eyed lantern (rush grass) feathers vary by geographic location. Males and females have different colored plumage, with females usually not having as bright markings.

To learn more about the differences and how to spot black eyed juncos in women, read on!

As the name suggests, females of the black-eyed lantern plant have the same dark eyes as the males of the species, but they are more gray and “faded” in appearance compared to the males.

In the male black-eyed lantern plant, there is considerable variation in the coloration of the birds that inhabit different parts of North America. This is also true for women, although women tend to be more taupe and less visible.

Black-eyed rushes were once considered five separate species due to the large species diversity, but were later grouped into one species.

Read on as we demystify the difference between male and female black-eyed light sparrows and offer tips on how to get a positive ID on these ground-feeding gray sparrows.

Female black-eyed Juncos do have distinct differences, but they are usually grayer and appear “washed out” compared to males

How do you know if a black-eyed Junco is a male or a female?

Black-eyed rushes are sexually dimorphic, with males displaying a more distinctive appearance with brighter, darker markings than females. In some parts of the United States, such as in Oregon, males may be hooded black, while females are similar, but noticeably paler and grayer.

Other varieties include gray-headed, reddish-brown-backed males found in the southern Rocky Mountains, and similar but less colorful plumage in female black-eyed rushes in that region.

In the slate gray lantern plant of the northern and eastern United States and Canada, the males are dark charcoal gray with a white belly, while the females are paler with more brownish gray on the back and crown.

Male Black Eyed Junco – Slate subspecies

Female Black-Eyed Junco – Slate Subspecies

What does a female black-eyed Junco look like?

A sparrow-sized bird with a pink conical beak, round head, and long tail, the female black-eyed lantern plant has a gray head, neck, and chest, gray or brown back and wings, a white belly, and a flash of white tail.

The coloration of female black-eyed rushes has been described as soft and “washed out” compared to the males.

While the plumage of male black-eyed rushes can be grouped into about 15 different morphs depending on geographic location, females also vary by region, with northern and eastern populations being the most widespread uniform gray-brown with white underparts.

The head of the female black-eyed rush is less round than the male, and a slight crest can be seen.

Black-eyed Junco (Oregon group, female) foraging on the ground

Are female Dark-eyed Juncos bigger than males?

No size differences between male and female black-eyed rushes have been recorded. Both sexes have a body length of 13 to 17.5 cm (5.1 to 6.9 in), a wingspan of 18 to 25 cm (7.1 to 9.8 in), and a body weight of 18 to 30 g (0.63 to 1.06 oz). It has been observed that female black-eyed rushes have slightly thinner necks than males.

behavioral difference

Posture and activity are key ways of distinguishing male and female black-eyed rushes. Males tend to be aggressively territorial, defending their nest with loud songs and a crouching posture, lowering their wings and body to the ground.

On the other hand, female dark-eyed juncos tend to stand in a more upright posture, with their heads higher off the ground. Females are obviously more vigilant and timid than males, and show some restless and irritable behavior, as if they are always on alert.

Males dominate the foraging site, with their wings lowered to the ground to project their authority and status. Females have been observed to be more timid when feeding, clinging to the edge of a place and remaining vigilant and ready to fly away if their presence is challenged.

migrant

Most black-eyed rushes across North America are migratory, and tracking of banded birds has shown that females tend to migrate to wintering grounds more than males.

Male Black-eyed Junco (Oregon)

sing and call

One surefire way to tell males and females black-eyed part-colored dogs apart is to listen to their songs and vocalizations.

• Males have a distinctive trill song that they use to defend their nesting territory.
• Females do not sing to defend their territory, but will exchange low-pitched calls with males.

nesting and feeding

From site selection to construction, females of the black-eyed lantern plant are solely responsible for nest building, with limited interaction with their mates.

Males may present grass and moss to females, but this is mostly overlooked because the females work alone to perfect the craft of cupping.

Only female black-eyed rushes will incubate eggs. Males do not form a brood or play any role in brooding eggs or young. However, the male assists the female in cleaning the nest, removing fecal sacs from the nest once the eggs have hatched.

Both parents will bring the insects to the hatchlings and continue to care for them after the hatchlings leave the nest.

Female black-eyed Juncos often appear lighter or more faded than males

Can a female black-eyed shunko raise offspring alone?

The female broods alone, but continues to leave the nest for food and continues to bring food to the nest as the young hatch.

The male black-eyed lantern plant acts as the protector of the nest, vigilant against threats from predators. Without them, it would be difficult—though not impossible—for women to successfully raise offspring.

What color are female Dark-eyed Juncos?

There are many variations in the color of male and female black-eyed rushes throughout North America. Female plumage usually consists of various shades of soft gray-brown, reflecting the richer shades found on males.

Female Black-eyed Suzaku (Junco hyemalis) perched on a snow-covered fence

Do female Dark-eyed Juncos call?

a short and sharp ‘mound‘ Both male and female black-eyed lantern plants call during flight and the female just before mating.

Can female black-eyed Juncos sing?

The distinctive trill song associated with male black-eyed rushes is not composed by the females of the species. However, the female black-eyed finch does sing a softer, trilled song that sounds similar to that of the American goldfinch.