Fairly common breeder on open prairie. In winter forms tight, sometimes large, flocks, often in agricultural areas. Very rare in E. Commonly seen sitting on fences. ♂s sing in display flight. Song: mockingbird-like batches of trills and rattles. ID: Distinctively large and big-bellied. Head is blocky and with a large conical bill. Large white wing patches in flight. Ad br ♂: solid black-and-white plumage in summer, But a patchwork of brown and black spring and fall. Nonbr: ♀-like with black primaries and darker throat/face. ♀: brown, usually with white throat.