Junco vs. Chickadee: How to Tell the Difference (With Pictures)

Last Updated on Mar 08 2024

If you like birds and often watch them fly, you might have seen two small birds: the Junco and Chickadee. They look similar, and many professionals confuse one bird with the other. If you look closely, these birds are somewhat different and have unique characteristics that make them special.

Primarily found in the US, both the Junco and Chickadee have apparent differences in size, morphology, location, and diet. In this article, we will compare them side-by-side, so you can spot these birds easily and learn more about them.

At a Glance

Here are some apparent differences you will notice in these birds at first glance.

Junco Breed Overview

The Junco is a unique bird that has always been a topic of conflict among many experts. According to some people, this bird has 12 species, while a few think there are only three species of this bird, and the remainder are split into sub-species that aren’t related to the original bird.

One of the most common types is the dark-eyed Junco that is split into six categories, and each group has its own subspecies, adding up to almost 15 varieties of the same bird.

This article will primarily focus on the dark-eyed Juncos to draw a clear comparison. This is because these are the most easily found ones.

Characteristics & Appearance

The weight of a Dark-eyed Junco is between 0.5–1.06 ounces, and its length is also between 5.1–6.9 inches. There are many prominent features of this bird. For instance, it usually has a black patch on its head, and its neck or head features one solid color.

Female Juncos are usually larger and browner than males. Juvenile Juncos often have light-colored bodies and streaks on their plumage. A Junco doesn’t have a white streak on its face but has a white breast and a beautiful pink beak. This bird has a unique, puffy appearance that makes it look quite adorable.

When it comes to certain habits and characteristics, Juncos have a unique call. They produce high-pitched ticks and sounds and a highly distinctive click sound. The sound isn’t annoying to most people, so you won’t find issues having the birds around. They love to consume seeds and insects and forage for different foods.

Juncos do migrate but only travel a short distance. During winter, they usually migrate from Canada to North America. Certain Juncos found in the southwestern mountains hardly migrate and stay in the same region throughout the year.

Uses

Juncos are ground-nesting birds and are quite vulnerable to predators. However, they have many advantages, so most people usually find ways to attract them.

These birds usually limit the spread of lamb’s quarters, weeds, and sorrel. They do so by consuming the seeds. Juncos also control the population of various insects they like to consume during their breeding season.

Chickadee Breed Overview

Chickadees are small birds from the genus Poecile. They are also often referred to as “tits” outside America. These birds are found in North America and some South and Central America.

Unlike Juncos, some Chickadees prefer staying in one place and avoiding migration. This is especially true for the most common Black-capped Chickadee.

Characteristics & Appearance

The weight of a Chickadee varies between 0.3–0.4 ounces, and its size is also between 2.4–5.9 inches. The average wingspan of a chickadee is between 16–21 centimeters.

Most Chickadees feature a dark-colored patch and have a unique head cap. They also have a white breast with light-colored streaks on the bird’s face and small markings on its tail.

A Chickadee has a black or dark beak that makes the bird pretty beautiful. They also have specific characteristics. For instance, they are granivorous but feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds. They also create seed caches to survive during the colder months.

These are loud birds. Their name is derived from the sound they produce. Their call often sounds like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.”

These birds are one of the cutest ones you will find. They also have unique, friendly personalities and are not scared of humans. They are quite curious and have a “confiding” behavior. 

Uses

Chickadees are excellent birds to have in your garden area. They often patrol your space and also eliminate insects that usually hibernate. These insects include katydids, plant lice, and moth eggs.

It is safe to say that these tiny birds are great pest controllers. When present in your garden, they help it to grow and thrive.

What Are the Differences Between the Junco and the Chickadee?

There are many differences between these two birds. Here we will discuss some apparent ones.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

While there are many similarities between a Junco and a Chickadee, these birds have distinct features that make it easy to differentiate them. These tiny birds are beautiful and also pretty friendly. Plus, they aren’t noisy and can be used to control insects and pests. If you want to keep any of these birds near your home, make sure you know their feeding habits and other requirements to give them a safe area to live.

Featured Image Credit: Left (Junco) – Veronika_Andrews, Pixabay, Right (Chikadee) – Ami Parikh, Shutterstock