The most popular bird in America. Common and widespread in wood edges, hedges, and suburban gardens. Sits in the open, in ones or twos, rarely moving quickly. Very vocal, sings much of the year, often with raised crest. Will hop around on the ground looking for seeds or fruit which it picks up with incredibly powerful bill. Often chase each other in flight, which is direct with very rounded wings and long tail. Call a metallic ‘chip.’ Song: a series of 3–6, slightly descending, clear whistled ‘whits.’ ID: Large-bodied with a long rounded tail and large red conical bill. Ad ♂: all-red with gray fringes to upperparts and flanks. Black face and bib. Ad ♀: gray bird with varying amounts of buff on underparts. Restricted black on face. Red in crest, tail and wings always stands out. Juv: similar to a dull ♀, but note black bill. Juv becomes adult-like through summer and most easily aged in fall by any retained black in bill.