Among the migratory races, pair formation takes place as females return to breeding grounds. Copulation and nest building may be postponed several days until suitable nest sites become available. Males sing throughout the breeding period, but the frequency of singing diminishes by midsummer. Clutches of three to five eggs are incubated exclusively by the female. The eggs range from pale green to pale blue in color and carry heavy spotting.
Females assume most of the feeding duties during the first couple of days after hatching.
The male's role in the feeding increases thereafter. Throughout the latter half of the nestling period, both sexes share equally in the feeding. Youngsters leave the nest eight to 12 days after hatching.