Distribution and abundance fluctuate in response to availability of mature pine nuts. Nesters most numerous in lodgepole pine forests of Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, Warner and Sweetwater Mts., and in bristlecone and limber pine forests of White and probably Inyo, Panamint, and Grapevine Mts. Also nests in Mt. Pinos region, and probably in other ranges to the south. Extracts seeds from conifer cones by prying apart cone scales with crossed mandibles and lifting out seeds with tongue. Forages in trees and on ground.
Conifers provide singing posts, nesting, roosting, perching, and other cover.
Availability of mature conifer seeds more important than kind of conifer habitat, although lodgepole pine preferred. In Sierra Nevada, most numerous where conifer forests with open to moderate canopy border meadows, lakes, or streams. Yearlong, diurnal activity. Unpredictable, nomadic movements linked to fluctuations in conifer seed crops. Territoriality has not been reported.