Length: 3.5 in.
Wgt.: 3-4 g
Main foods are floral nectar and small arthropods, tree sap also taken
Two broods per year possible, generally two eggs per clutch; nest construction, incubation and all parental care by female; incubation about two weeks and young fledge in about 3 weeks; cow bird parasitism not likely but one record from 1890 of a single cowbird egg that filled entire nest
Overall this species does not appear to be threatened in any part of its range and does not seem to be in need of management. Predation pressure probably slight, but problems exist from collisions with windows, cars and towers. Some cat predation at feeders likely and effects of pesticides on foraging birds needs investigation. Extensive artificial feeders and plantings in gardens undoubtedly aid this species during the breeding season.