Found in marshes, grassy field, along road sides, usually near water.

A black bird with red-marked wings clinches the identification of the male. Lower edge of red in males wing is bordered with buffy-white or buffy-yellow strip. Females are duller, with buffy eyebrow and streaked under parts.

Usually nests near or over water; nest is placed in emergent vegetation, but also in shrubs, rarely in trees. It is a cup-shaped structure built from cattail leaves, sedges, and other plant fibers. Feeds on seeds and insects.