These active, highstrung little sprites are never still, going about whipping their tails sideways, cocking heads to look up or down, and with nervous emphasis, here I am — here I am! They are most entertaining birds to watch, jaunty individualists full of quaint airs and graces. Tho airy and light o' manner — as parents they fear nought, flying boldly at any intruders who threaten their youngsters and driving them off with good set blows. —Bailey.
Western United States. Breeds in Upper and Lower Sonoran zones from Siskiyou county, California, southern Nevada, Utah and Colorado south to Cape region of Lower California. East to Pecos river, Texas. Winters from southern California and Arizona south to Cape San Lucas.