Woodland edges, fields, thickets, brushy undergrowth, suburbs, gardens, feeders with sunflower seeds, swamps, desert washes, riparian areas. Very common in the east. Both sexes sing almost the entire year.
Mating system is monogamous.
Male and female with outstretched necks and erect crests sway bodies from side to side while singing softly. Three to four. Female incubates with help from male. Incubation takes 12-13 days. Young leave the nest after 9-10 days.