Breeds in drier, more open scrubland and semi-desert habitats from the Middle East to Central Asia. Winters primarily in the Arabian Peninsula and parts of East Africa and India.

Very challenging to distinguish from Booted Warbler. Look for an even paler, more grayish-sandy bird, typically with a longer primary projection and a slightly larger bill. It also tends to be found in drier, sparser vegetation. Its song is a rapid, rattling series of notes, similar to Booted but often slightly softer and more hesitant.

Best observed during the breeding season (May-July) in its arid habitat. Migrants can be seen during spring (April-May) and autumn (August-September) along its routes.