junco
/ˈdʒʌŋkəʊ
/noun (plural juncos or juncoes)
A North American songbird related to the buntings, with mainly grey and brown plumage.
- Genus Junco, family Emberizidae (subfamily Emberizinae): three or four species.
- The seeds of this columbine are sought after by small birds, such as song sparrows, juncos, and many others.
- ‘We're already seeing robins, goldfinches, juncos and pine siskens,’ she said, and staffers have heard a few bluebirds lately.
Origin
Early 18th century (originally 'reed bunting'): from Spanish, from Latin juncus 'rush, reed'.