The majority of females lay their first eggs in mid May, with older females laying sooner. Most pairs attempt to rear a second brood usually no later than late July, with the last young fledging around mid August. The nest site is usually chosen and constructed by the female in trees or shrubs, primarily in the crotch or other spot with support and cover. Birds usually arrive on the U.S. Gulf coast during the first week of April, with most birds arriving in mid April. Fall migration begins in mid August and continues through mid September.
Flight is the usual method used in reducing threat.
Territoriality Territories range from 0.08- 2.8 ha. Territories are used for nesting, gathering nest materials, and foraging, although movement is not restricted to territories. During breeding season birds are either solitary or part of a breeding pair. Song Males sing a three-part song. The central part of the song is learned from conspecifics, but the beginning and ending parts may be innate or invented.