Uncommon migrant in lowlands of northern California. Mostly breeds in ponderosa pine, montane hardwood, montane hardwood-conifer, mixed conifer, and montane chaparral habitats. Found as a migrant in lowland woodland and riparian habitats. In a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer-oak forest, strongly preferred feeding in black oak. Higher elevation conifer forests are used less in late summer.
Migrants find cover in many lowland woodland habitats.
Forages in open to medium-density woodlands and forests. Yearlong, diurnal activity. Gradually leaves mountains in September. A few linger occasionally in coastal locations into early winter. There are a few records of overwintering along the coast.