The onset of breeding, however, can be influenced by factors such as weather, food supply, and the condition of the breeding female. They also nest in natural cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, and nest boxes. Excavation of the nest cavity can take 7 to 10 days. The nest cup is made of moss and lined with rabbit fur, plant down, hair, feathers and spider webs. Nests are located at various heights but are most commonly found one and one half to several meters off the ground.
Egg laying begins one to two days after the nest is finished.
Females lay an egg per day in the morning. They cover the eggs with nesting materials whenever they leave the nest. A complete clutch contains 6 to 8 eggs. Often, there are heavier spots at the larger end of the egg. The female incubates, and she begins on the day the next to the last, or penultimate, egg is laid.