Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
STATUS: Irregularly common in large flocks.
HABITAT: Generally inhabits coniferous forests, and prefers those with low to intermediate canopy cover. Less numerous in second-growth alders, aspen, and broadleaf trees along the fringes of coniferous forests. Very social, forms flocks with other species.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Coniferous forests.
NEST: Generally locates nest on a conifer branch, often in the shelter of another small branch and usually 15-35 feet above the ground.
FOOD: An opportunistic feeder that gleans food from foliage, bark of conifers, and from the ground. Also eats seeds, some berries, and a wide variety of insects.
REFERENCES: Forbush and May 1955, Weaver and West 1943, Terres 1980.