Junco surinamus; Print; A junco; genus Junco; is a small North American bird. Junco systematics are still confusing after decades of research; with various authors accepting between three and twelve species. Despite having a name that appears to derive from the Spanish term for the plant genus Juncus (rushes); these birds are seldom found among rush plants; as these prefer wet ground; while juncos like dry soil.; 1700-1880