During the breeding season, Siberian Accentors prefer open larch forests, dwarf birch and willow scrub, and rocky areas with sparse vegetation, primarily in the taiga and tundra zones of northern Eurasia. In winter, they migrate to East Asia, where they can be found in shrubby areas, forest edges, cultivated lands, and even gardens.

Spotting a Siberian Accentor often requires patience, as they are generally shy and forage quietly on the ground, often creeping through dense vegetation. Their song is a quiet, jingling warble, and their call is a soft, high-pitched 'tsee' or 'tsit', which can be an excellent clue to their presence. Look for their distinctive head pattern with a black crown and ear-coverts separated by a prominent buffy-white supercilium.

Siberian Accentors are most active during daylight hours. While they can be challenging to find on their remote breeding grounds, they may be more visible in their wintering areas or during migration, especially when they appear outside their typical range. Autumn migration is when they are most likely to be encountered in new areas.