Feeding Behavior

Forages mostly on the ground and in low vegetation, moving rather slowly and deliberately, picking up small items with bill. Sometimes takes insects from spiderwebs; rarely makes short flights to catch insects in mid-air.

Eggs

3-4. White, unmarked. Incubation is by female only, about 12-13 days. Young: Both parents feed young, although female may bring more at first. On hot days, female may spend time standing on edge of nest to shade young. Young leave nest about 9-10 days after hatching, but able to make only short flights at this stage. Young are fed by parents for at least 2 weeks after fledging, may associate with them up to 7 weeks. Usually 1-2 broods per year, sometimes 3.

Young

Both parents feed young, although female may bring more at first. On hot days, female may spend time standing on edge of nest to shade young. Young leave nest about 9-10 days after hatching, but able to make only short flights at this stage. Young are fed by parents for at least 2 weeks after fledging, may associate with them up to 7 weeks. Usually 1-2 broods per year, sometimes 3.

Diet

Mostly insects and seeds. Feeds mainly on insects in summer, particularly caterpillars, moths, and grasshoppers, also ants and others. Also eats seeds and some small berries. Young are fed mostly caterpillars and grasshoppers.

Nesting

In Arizona, nests mostly in mid to late summer, after onset of summer rainy season, but pairs may occupy territories by late spring. Male sings persistently to defend nesting territory. Nest site is in dense clump of grass, in low shrub such as hackberry, hopbush, or condalia, or at base of ocotillo, from a few inches to 5' above ground. Nest (built by female) is a deep open cup of grass, lined with finer grass and often with animal hair.