A small, gregarious, and tame species that is found in wide variety of open habitats including agricultural fields, parks, and gardens. The glorious adult male is unmistakable with its long tail and bright reddish bill. In nonbreeding plumage, both male and female have streaks on the sides of the upper chest, a boldly striped head, an orange-pink bill, and dark legs. In breeding plumage, the bill of female is dusky. Juveniles are dull brown overall. Vocalizations include “zhweet, “chee-chee-chee-chee...” and a plaintive down-slurred “seeeeoooo” as well as various squeaky and buzzy twitters.