Scientists think there are about 15 subspecies of Dark-eyed Juncos in North America, but in southern Wisconsin we’re used to seeing the slate-colored version in our backyards and nature areas. They have a dark gray head, back and wings with a bright white belly.
In the western states the most common subspecies is the Oregon form which has a blackish-brown hood, light brown back, lighter brown sides and a white belly.
There’s a really good photo of some of the main subspecies side-by-side here. I’m trying to figure out which one best fits my latest backyard visitor.
This handsome fella arrived with slate-colored birds but stands out with his dark-brown back. He does indeed have a white belly so my guess is he’s most likely an Oregon or Rocky Mountain subspecies.