Northern mountainous area of the US and much of lower Canada and Alaska. West coastal areas of North California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. East coastal areas of New Jersey, New York all of New England, Canadian maritime′s and eastern part of Newfoundland. All of Appalachian Mountains, Great Lakes area and most all of northern Great Plains.

Fairly numerous but usually alone in ope deciduous or mixed woods. Shy. Feeds openly in winter and roosts under snow.

Broad, dark subterminal band on finely barred gray (northern form) or red (southern form) tail. Band broken in center on females and young males. Dark erectile feathers on neck are most prominent in males.