Region

Central Asia

Typical Environment

Breeds across river valleys and steppe-edge wetlands from Kazakhstan and southern Russia through Mongolia and northwestern China, with occurrences in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Prefers riparian habitats dominated by willows, poplars, tamarisk, and extensive reedbeds, often near oxbow lakes and floodplains. During winter it moves south into Pakistan and northern India, using lowland wetlands and foothill valleys. It generally avoids dense forests and very arid open desert, relying instead on scrubby, moisture-associated vegetation.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Continental

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Outside the breeding season it forages in small, loose flocks and joins mixed-species groups in riparian scrub. Males are renowned for weaving elaborate pendulous nests from plant fibers and seed down, often over water; both sexes may participate in nest finishing and rearing. Clutches are small, and pairs defend territories around nest sites.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Calls are thin, high-pitched tsit and see notes, often delivered in quick sequences. The song is a soft, tinkling series of whistles and trills, modest in volume but persistent from within shrub cover.