General Description: Adult males are solid black, with red wing patches. Each patch has a light yellow stripe below. Adult Females are smaller in size, dark, and streaked. They have a white line over each eye and are evenly streaked all down the back.
Habitat: Cattail marsh is the quintessential habitat. The species also breeds in wooded or brushy swamps, wet meadows, hay fields, salt marshes, irrigations canals, and roadside ditches.
Behavior: Individuals form flocks outside of the breeding season and nest close together. The species forages primarily on the ground but also in shrubs and trees.
Diet: Mainly seeds, but also insects such as dragonflies and mayflies. Agricultural grain is also an important food source in winter.
Range: Found in most of North America and much of Central America.
When to See in Washington: Year-round residents, widespread and abundant in Washington lowlands; though many birds will migrate south out of the state during winter.