The Diet of Snowbirds

The Dark-eyed Junco, also known as the common snowbird, is named for its sudden appearance at bird feeders and farms in the early winter months. The snowbirds are ground scavengers, opting to hop around on foot looking for food.

  1. Domestic Food

    • Commonly found in farm yards, snowbirds graze on bits of food left behind by domestic animals including grass seeds, sunflower seeds or cracked corn.

    Wild Food

    • The Dark-eyed Junco eats wild weed and grass seeds, and it feasts on insects in the summer.

    Attracting Snowbirds with Food

    • Attract snowbirds to feeders with sunflower seeds, grass seeds or cracked corn. Sprinkle these on the ground around the bird feeders so the Dark-eyed Junco can graze for wild seeds as well.