The large, identifying beak snaps sunflower shells with ease.
Flocks raise quite a ruckus around the feeder, communicating with a very loud chirp.
This bird is often a harbinger of cold weather. Typically more common further north and at greater elevations, foraging flocks push into our area in search of food during periods of extreme cold when food is in greater demand and in less supply. Large conifers, in particular spruce and cedar. Maple and fruiting shrubs.