This species can be seen year round everywhere on this continent. So abundant around human populations centers that is is often considered a pest. Old world species introduced first in New York in 1851. Regional variations have developed.

Always in habitat modified by man including isolated towns and farms. Active and aggressive.

Male has a gray crown with chestnut border and nape, whitish cheek, gray under parts with black throat and breast, white wing bars. Bill is black in summer and yellow in winter.

Female and juvenile plain breasted with rusty upper parts, pail eyebrow and pale bil.