STATUS: Common in eastern range.
HABITAT: Generally associated with edges of woods, old burns, open brushy fields, roadside thickets, and brushy ravines. Tends to be more numerous along streams, and avoids deep woods.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Forest edges.
NEST: Builds a cup nest 1 to 12 feet above the ground in a crotch of a bush, shrub, or low tree, in a tangle of berry vines, or in canebrakes. Frequently parasitized by brown-headed cowbird.
FOOD: Forages on or near the ground in shrubs, and eats a variety of foods, including insects, weed seeds, berries, and fruits.
REFERENCES: Bent 1968a, DeGraff et al. 1980, Forbush and May 1955, Harrison 1975.