Most nests are placed to provide partial concealment for the incubating female without restricting her view. A nearby dry, loafing site for the male is essential. No additional data found. In winter, prefers to feed in fields near safe roosting areas on open water of lakes and ponds. Yearlong, mostly diurnal activity, mainly feeding early and late in day.
Migration is both nocturnal and diurnal.
Wintering populations elsewhere in California migrate north and east to breeding grounds in northeastern California, several western states, Canada, and Alaska, and absent May to September. Breeding territory used for displays, nesting, loafing, and feeding, and must include a guard site for male. Incubation usually 27-28 days in B. c. moffitti. Precocial young are tended by both parents, first fly at 8-9 wk, and remain with parents until following spring. Sometimes reunite with parents after the nesting season.