It inhabits coniferous and mixed forests near the treeline, plus subalpine birch and rhododendron scrub, at 3,000-4,300 m (occasionally as low as 2,800 m in winter). Its distribution appears to be determined primarily by water, foraging sites and predation (Fei Jia et al. 2005). It can be common around Buddhist monasteries where it receives cultural protection, but it generally occurs at very low densities in small groups (A. Pack-Blumenau in litt. 2006). The species is monogamous during the breeding season (Wu Yi and Peng Jitai 1996), but it can occasionally be found in groups of up to 30 individuals in winter. It feeds by pecking at the ground and digging for bulbs.

Crossoptilon crossoptilon is found in China, where it is known from Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet. Has occasionally been speculated to occur in north-east India (e.g. Rasmussen and Anderton 2012) but its known distribution does not approach the Indian border particularly closely, and there is no evidence it occurs. Similarly, no evidence from Myanmar where, however, this species' range does approach rather closely.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix I. Recent records from several protected areas. This bird is traditionally protected under the umbrella of Buddhist culture.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Continue to monitor populations (either directly, or indirectly using habitat trends).