Q: Do Juncos use nestboxes?
A: Normally, no. But there are rare reports of Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) using open front nestboxes, woodpecker holes and regular nestboxes in residential areas (specifically boxes mounted on houses.)
Dark-eyed Juncos are usually open-cup nesters, although they do sometimes nest in crevices near the ground. However, there are a few verified reports of Juncos nesting in a woodpecker hole and nestboxes. Since some people misidentify birds, it is best to have photographic evidence of this type of unusual behavior.
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Dark-eyed Junco, photo by Jack Bulmer There are two historical reports of Dark-eyed Juncos nesting in an existing hole created by woodpeckers, according to Nestwatch. (one in Bent 1968?)
- One report of juncos nesting a box that looks like Orthwein’s Carolina Wren design in 2009, and then a different pair on TOP of the same box in 2016 (location?). This box is shallow, with a large slot type entrance.
- One report in 2016 (with photos) of Dark-eyed Juncos using a nestbox mounted on Melissa Sherwood’s house in Washington. This box was shallow and wide and had a circular entrance.
- One report in 2017 (with photos) of a junco using a chalet style decorative nestbox also mounted on a house in Napa Valley, CA.
Dark-eyed Juncos bred from April to August, laying 3-5 eggs (rarely 6). Incubation lasts 10-13 days. Young fledge in 10-13 days. (Harrison 1978) Depending on the climate, they may have 2 or 3 broods per season.
MORE INFORMATION & REFERENCES:
- List of cavity nesters
- Nestwatch report on juncos using nestbox in WA retrieved from https://nestwatch.org/connect/news/nestwatcher-finds-first-dark-eyed-junco-nesting-in-a-birdhouse/
- Juncos Nest in a Birdhouse, Part Two, NestWatch retrieved from https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/juncos-nest-in-a-birdhouse-part-two
- FAQs
- Bent, A. C. (O. L. Austin, Jr., ed.). 1968. Life histories of North American cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings, towhees, finches, sparrows, and allies. 3 Parts. U.S. Natl. Mus.
Bull. 237. 1889pp - Harrison, C. 1978. A field guide to the nests, eggs and nestlings of North American birds. W. Collins Sons and Co., Cleveland, OH. 416pp.
Don’t believe everything you think
