Winters in the Bahamas. Frequently wags tail. Rarely seen in migration, although best chance is northern Ohio along Lake Erie. Endangered species but population has been increasing steadily. Large stands of 6 to 20 feet high jack pines on sandy soil with low cover.
Mating system is monogamous, occasionally polygynous.
Courting male may perform display flight, descending from 6 to 8 feet directly over female. Cup shaped nest, concealed close to pine, of grass or other fibrous plant material, lined with fine grass, moss, hair. Both sexes help with nest construction. White, creamy-pinkish, marked with brown, mostly at large end. Incubation takes 14-15 days.