Usually restricted to mountainous coniferous forest, only during especially harsh winters does the Mountain Chickadee descend to lower elevation riparian areas and broad-leafed forests for a month or so. This species commonly occurs in large mixed species foraging flocks with nuthatches, warblers, sparrows, juncoes, and bushtits, where they look for insects and seeds. Its nest is in a tree cavity
In hot dry deserts, coveys of this quail are common, even entering suburban areas in search of water and food. It feeds on plant shoots, seeds, fruits and occasionally insects. During the hottest part of mid day they frequently rest in the shade or perch in a low bush. The nest is a shallow depression in the soil and lined with leaves and other vegetation.