All year throughout the Rocky Mountain. Also, Alaska coastal, southern Yukon, all of BC, northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, all of the Great Lakes area, southern Quebec and New England. Moves south when cone crops fail and feed on seeds, fruits and buds.

Numerous in conifers, especially pines. Flocks wander widely and separately and specialize on different cones.

Male are usually brick red and can vary to orange or yellow.

Females are grayish olive with brighter under parts and rump. Some may show some red. Throat is usually gray.

Immature are streaked.