Uncommon to fairly common but rather local, shy, and easily overlooked. Favors mixed and deciduous mature woodland, especially with beech, oak, and hornbeam, where tends to feed and perch quietly, high in the canopy. Also feeds on the ground, mainly in autumn and winter, when forms flocks but usually does not mix with other species. Distinctive appearance, with massive bill (steely gray in summer, pinkish in winter), blue-gray hindneck, like a shawl on orangey head. Broad white tail tip and white wing band show mainly in flight.