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Glite Dictionary
Junco

Junco

1 8.9
A small American finch with mainly gray feathers that lives in North and Central America
  • proper noun
  • /ˈdʒʌŋkoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Junco
  • Snowbird: Integrative Biology and Evolutionary Diversity in the Junco edited by Ellen D. Ketterson and Jonathan W. Atwell (University of Chicago Press; 389 pages; $60).

Examples

  • The Junco perched on the branch, its gray feathers blending in with the winter scenery.

  • During our hike, we spotted a Junco hopping around in the snow.

  • Many bird watchers enjoy observing the Junco during the colder months when they come to feeders.

Compounds

dark-eyed junco
  • US
7.3

A small North American sparrow with grey feathers and dark eyes

Junco hyemalis
  • Specialized
8.3

A small North American sparrow with grey and white feathers and dark eyes

slate-colored junco
  • US
6.1

A small North American bird with mostly grey feathers and a white belly

Surface Forms

Junco main

Etymology

Junco comes from the Spanish word junco, which means 'rush' or 'reed'. So, picture a small gray finch hiding or feeding in tall rush plants — that image explains why these American birds are called Junco.