Nesting habitat: Nests in various trees, shrubs, and vines within natural range.

Nest site: Depends on geographical location and prefers specific substrates. Nest height is commonly 6-12 feet above ground, but occasionally nests at 45+ feet. In tree, shrub, bush, or vine tangle. Nest often heavily concealed within shrubs. In Chico, 84% of 119 nests under cover of wild grape (Vitis californica), blue elderberry (Sambucus cerulea), interior live oak, or coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica; In California, most nests in oak trees (Quercus spp.); other substrates include bay (Umbellularia), coffeeberry, elderberry, madroño (Arbutus), gooseberry (Ribes), and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). Substrates in other areas include piñon pine (Nevada) and serviceberry (Amelanchier; Colorado).

Nest type: An open cup built of twigs and plant roots. Lined with plant fibers and animal hair. Built by male and female.

Eggs:
Clutch size: Typically 3-4, range 1-5.
Color: Varies, but is usually grayish-white or greenish with brown/green speckles.
Egg size: 24.4 – 34.3 mm x 19.0 – 20.8 mm

Incubation period: 17-19 days.

Nestling period: Brooded and incubated by female. Young fledge in 16-26 days.

Number of broods per season: Usually 1, occasionally 2.