Differ from other members of the genus in preferring dry upland prairies or sterile sandy deserts of the west. They are never found on the beaches, marshes or mud flats. The first egg is laid without any attempt at a nest, in the open away from any form of shelter. When the next two eggs are deposited a rude attempt at a nest is attempted with dried grass. They are quite inconspicuous birds, with a low pleasing whistle. Their habit of gathering in compact flocks was taken advantage of by poor hunters, two shots often killing thirty or more.
Western United States, from northern Montana and western Nebraska south to southern Texas.