Region

Mongolian Plateau and northern China

Typical Environment

Occurs in central and western Mongolia and spills into northern China, including parts of Inner Mongolia and adjacent provinces. It inhabits rocky slopes, open montane steppe, and scrub dominated by juniper, Caragana, and other low shrubs. During the breeding season it keeps to broken terrain with scattered bushes for cover. In winter it may use more open steppe and shrubby valley bottoms. Human presence is usually avoided, though it will forage near remote settlements.

Altitude Range

1000–3200 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Temperament

shy and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between shrubs

Social Behavior

Breeds in pairs that defend small territories in scrubby, rocky habitats. The nest is placed low in dense shrubs or ground vegetation. Outside the breeding season, small loose groups may form to forage, especially in sheltered valleys. Clutch size is typically 3–5 eggs.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A thin, high, tinkling warble delivered from a shrub or rock outcrop. Calls include sharp tseep notes and soft ticking contact calls.

Diet

Feeds chiefly on small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders during the breeding season. In autumn and winter it adds seeds and small berries to its diet. It picks prey from the ground and low shrubs, often probing leaf litter and grass tussocks. Opportunistic feeding allows it to cope with the highly seasonal steppe environment.

Preferred Environment

Forages on rocky ground, at shrub bases, and among low steppe vegetation. Uses edges of scrub patches and sheltered gullies where insects and seeds accumulate. In winter it frequents snow-free microhabitats exposed by wind.