Each is distinct in plumage, voice, habitat preference, and abundance. Also eat a few seeds.
Shrubs provide roosting, nesting, and other cover.
No information found, but probably not a requirement. P. californica is most numerous in low, dense coastal scrub habitat in arid washes, on mesas, and on slopes of coastal hills. California buckwheat, coastal sage, and patches of pricklypear are particularly favored. Yearlong, diurnal activity. Probably equal to territory, at least in breeding season.