Continentally widespread year round.

Nests in large fields and marshes but especially among cattails where often seen perched from. Forages in open area and prefers farmland. Moves in huge flocks and except when nesting, often mixed with other species.

Male has orange-red shoulder patch with narrow yellow lower strip which may fade to white.

Female and immature are brown with thick streaks below. Adult female can have reddish face and shoulder. Immature can have a yellow wash on breast. Immature, by second fall shows adult plummage.