It is resident throughout its range and is generally found in arid, rocky cliffs, outcrops, and canyons.

It is a small bird that is hard to see on its rocky habitat; however, it can be heard throughout the canyons by its distinctive, loud song.

The taxonomy of the species has been altered and debated for many years, with from three to eleven subspecies being proposed at various times.

Disjunct populations occur in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota, northeast Wyoming and southeast Montana.

During the winter season the distribution is generally the same; however, concentrations may occur in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwest Texas.