Scientists Did Not Expect Evolution to Move This Quickly

At the University of California, Los Angeles campus, faculty and students have been serenaded by Dark-Eyed Junco songbirds for decades. The campus is a favorite location for the birds to forage for food, and it's unusual for them to inhabit cities. However, the climate crisis has had a profound effect on many species, threatening the birds' habitat in mountain forests. The songbirds from the sparrow family began migrating to urban areas, including UCLA, in search of food sources.

Meet the Dark-Eyed Junco

There are two widespread varieties of Dark-Eyed Juncos. The species that dwells in the city has a rounded head, a short beak, and a long tail, which contrasts with the mountain dwellers' long beaks that they use to eat insects and seeds. The slate-colored birds are native to most of Canada and the eastern United States. The Oregon Junco inhabits most of the western states. A dark-colored hood, a rich brown back, and reddish-brown flanks characterize the species.

Less common variations include the Yellow-Eyed Junco of the Southwestern states, and the Pink-Sided and White-Winged Juncos of the Rocky Mountains and the Western Plains.