Species sexually dimorphic. Males plummage has black crown while the rest of the head is white. Black malar stripe on under part of neck; underparts usually gray with black streak or white with black streak. Dark wings with two white wing bars, and a dark tail with bold white tail-spots. Legs and feet orange-yellow. Female head crowned light brown with rest of head white. Body light (white or gray) speckled with darker brown or black streaks.
Montana Range
Observations in Montana: 94
Montana CountiesCarter, Cascade, Chouteau, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Flathead, Gallatin, Garfield, Granite, Hill, Judith Basin, Lewis and Clark, Liberty, Lincoln, Madison, McCone, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Ravalli, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Teton, Toole, Valley, Wheatland, Yellowstone
Species found in alder,spruce or willow thickets in riparian areas.
Diet consists of adult and larvae insects along with some fruits and berries.
Nests builit in late May; commonly against truck of tree, supported by branches. Multiple brooded species with 4-5 eggs per brood. Incubation time roughly 12 days.