Malva spp . They are seen flying in the treetops, very swift, do not linger in one place very long, and only sip mud, not flower nectar. Larval Food Plant- plants in the grass family, Poaceae, Poa secunda ssp. Does not prefer weedy, grassy areas, but likes low herbaceous, native vegetation mixed with low shrubs, medium shrubs and trees. Seems to enjoy picking insects from Malacothamnus fasciculatus, Chaparral Mallow.
Stores acorns in individually drilled holes in bark of trees.
Found in riparian areas where sycamore, cottonwood, willow live, also in areas with oaks. Lives in oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitats. When perched, distinctively wags tail. Major helper in planting acorns for next generation of oaks. Benefits greatly from nestboxes.