Typically rests on small ponds in midday. No information on roosting habitat. No additional data found. Prefers freshwater ponds, lakes, or slow streams bordered by fairly dense emergent vegetation, especially for nesting. Yearlong, diurnal activity.
Authorities disagree on the timing and extent of migration.
Breeders in northernmost California, and areas east of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, depart for the winter, and population density declines noticeably elsewhere in the state, suggesting a general southward movement. Many individuals apparently migrate to the main wintering grounds in Mexico. Monogamous, solitary nester. Incubation 21-25 days. Predation often causes heavy nest losses.