Region

Pacific Coast and western North America

Typical Environment

Breeds from coastal and inland Alaska through British Columbia and south along the Cascades and Sierra Nevada into the northwestern United States. Prefers mature and mixed coniferous forests with dense understory, including hemlock, spruce, fir, and redwood habitats. In winter it descends to lower elevations and moves south into coastal and foothill regions, reaching as far as California and occasionally farther inland. Vagrants sometimes appear well east of the Rockies, especially in winter.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with direct, low forest flights

Social Behavior

Generally solitary or in loose associations, becoming territorial during the breeding season. The female builds a cup nest on a horizontal branch or in dense shrubs, and typically incubates while the male helps feed fledglings. They forage quietly on the ground or low branches, often flicking leaves aside with their bill.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A series of pure, ethereal, single-pitched whistles, each note held for a few seconds and separated by pauses; different notes may be delivered at varying pitches. Calls include dry, metallic chips and harsher notes when alarmed.

Diet

Insects and other arthropods dominate in the breeding season, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. In fall and winter it shifts to berries and fruits such as elderberry, huckleberry, and madrone, and will also take seeds. It occasionally visits feeders for suet and fallen seed, especially during harsh weather.

Preferred Environment

Feeds on the forest floor and in dense understory, probing leaf litter and mossy ground. In winter it forages in berry-laden shrubs, forest edges, and suburban gardens with mature trees and cover.