Both sexes of these species are covered in duller and paler feathers but the males have bright purple feathers on their head and face.
In the wild these birds like to make their nests and territories around desert habitats. Males are very defensive of their territory, especially during the breeding season.
They will call out to defend their territory from a few select high perches. Males have a strict courtship display that they stick to which involves a series of aerial dives.
These displays have been observed performing for as long as 4 minutes but commonly only last around 30 seconds.
Breeding pairs do not stay together, they will usually mate with multiple individuals and the females will be the one to take care of the young.
Whilst their range does not encompass the whole of California they are year round residents where they reside.
They are to the south of the state and can be attracted to your garden by a simple sugar water feeder.