diff --git a/jsvn b/jsvn
index 3d4dcf1..8b92b4f 100755
--- a/jsvn
+++ b/jsvn
@@ -754,12 +754,22 @@ def status(argv, svn, out):
         if re.match(r'\s*$', line):
             continue
 
+        # look for lines that should be ignored
+        if re.match(STATUS_LINE_REGEX, line):
+            action = line[0]
+            if action == 'X':
+                continue            # don't print directory externals
+            elif line.startswith('    X  '):
+                continue            # don't print unmodified file externals
+
         # anything not matched yet will cause an external to be shown
         if not external_printed:
             if something_printed:
                 out.write('\n')
             out.write("External '%s':\n" % external)
             external_printed = True
+
+        # look for lines to highlight
         if re.match(STATUS_LINE_REGEX, line):
             action = line[0]
             prop_action = line[1]
@@ -775,8 +785,6 @@ def status(argv, svn, out):
                 ansi_color(out, 'magenta')
             elif action == ' ' and prop_action == 'M':
                 ansi_color(out, 'cyan')
-            elif action == 'X':
-                continue            # don't print externals
             out.write(line)
             ansi_reset(out)
             out.write('\n')