Inhabiting the willow and mesquite thickets of river bottoms in a restricted area, this bird is comparatively little known. The few observers who have recorded their impressions seem to differ widely. Coues considers them timid and retiring, likely to be overlooked in the thickets to which they seem to be much attached, while others state that they are active and vivacious. An accurate description of their habits is an objective for some future observer.
Southwestern United States, most common in southern Arizona, rarely north to Santa Clara Valley, Utah.