A brown-and-red, cardinal-like bird of the Southwest. Adult male is grayish-brown overall with yellow bill, red face, red throat, red belly stripe, red crest, and reddish-brown wings and tail. Adult female has similar pattern but is drabber, more brown than gray; note pointy reddish crest and yellow bill.

Length: 22 (cm) Wingspan: 31 (cm)

Voice:

Repeated, emphatic whistles; calls include sharp, squeaky notes.

Habitat:

Arid, dry areas, suburbs, open fields with scattered shrubs; open woods.

Behavior:

Found alone, in pairs, or small flocks. Nest is a cup of twigs, lined with fine materials, in shrub or small tree.

Feeding:

Forages mostly on the ground. Eats a variety of dry seeds, fruit, and insects. Sometimes visits bird feeders.