This species breeds in Eastern Siberia, from the valley of the Yenesei to the Pacific. Several stragglers have been obtained at different times in Europe, but the only British example was shot in 1905 near Gunthorpe, Notts.

The general colour is greyish brown above, streaked with darker, becoming more rufous on the rump. Quills broadly margined with rufous. Below white, breast and flanks boldly marked with black; under wing coverts and axillaries rufous.