Dark-eyed junco possible hybrid or normal variation? - Albany, NY, United States (1 Viewer)

[viceroy11]

I see a lot of dark-eyed juncos in my yard and all of them have been the typical slate colored variety, except this one - it stood out to me because of its brown back. Could this be a hybrid with a sparrow or is it normal for some juncos to look like this? I know there a lot of different varieties. Sorry for the poor photo quality, its the best I could get.

 

[raymie]

It looks to be a female.

 

[nartreb]

I agree with Raymie. Females are lighter, and browner than males. I don't see anything here outside the usual range of variation for a female "slaty" dark-eyed junco.

 

[viceroy11]

Thanks raymie and nartreb, I guess I've only seen males until now!

 

[KC Foggin]

I'm just going to jump in here and wish you a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like