246 



BIKDS or NORTH CAROLINA 



The Slate-colored Junco, better known as the Snowbird or Black Snowbird, is 

 an abundant winter resident throughout the State, arriving from the north in late 

 October or early November, and leaving us again about the middle of April or a 

 little later. 



It is found in open woods, along roadsides, or in fields where a few bushes afford 

 ready retreat when alarmed. Its food consists mainly of weed and grass seeds. It 

 is easily distinguished from other sparrows by the dark head, neck, and breast, and 

 the white outer tail-feathers. 



240. Junco hyemalis carolinensis (Brewst.). CAROLINA JUNCO. 



Description. Similar to preceding, but the head is the same color as back, and in the few 

 specimens in our possession the dark color of the breast and sides encroaches more on the white 

 of the belly. 



Range. Southern Alleghanies, wintering in the mountain valleys. 



Range in North Carolina. Whole mountain region in summer, everywhere above 3,700 feet 

 elevation. Winters in the mountain valleys. 



FIG. 195. SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. 



The Carolina Snowbird is known as a summer resident at Highlands, Macon 

 County; Blowing Rock, Watauga County; the Black Mountains, Buncombe 

 County; Wayah Bald and Tuskwitty Range, Macon County; Big and Little Snow- 

 bird Mountains in Cherokee and Graham counties; the mountains along the State 

 line in the two counties just named; the high mountains in and around Hay wood 

 County, and at Roan Mountain and Cranberry in Mitchell County. At Blowing 

 Rock and Highlands it is a common and characteristic bird in the streets and gar- 

 dens. 



