Rare resident. Inhabits fir and pine forest up to 2000 m. Non-breeding birds occurs in forests with dense undergrowth. Breeds in separate pairs. Nest is built on tree (spruce, fir, pine) at 2-6 m above ground from the thin twigs and is lined with dry grass, lichen and feathers. Clutches of 3-5 eggs probably found from end of March to April. Only female incubates it over 16-17 days, both parents feed juveniles which fledge at age about 40 days. Female with follicle of 8 mm obtained 15 April 1957 near Semipalatinsk. Broods observed in same place on 17 June 1960 and near Ridder 23 June 1947.