Recorded in wet, grassy meadows and tussock-swamps in the lowlands, reed-swamps, grassy swamps near rivers, rice-fields and around streams and pools with thick cover. At one breeding site in Russia, all observations were made in "wet, low-growing sedge meadows with rich litter" and the species was entirely absent from wetland areas that had been burnt in the spring of the survey year (Heim et al. 2019).

Formerly known from only a handful of sites (BirdLife International 2001) but now known to be more widespread. Recently confirmed on the shores of Lake Baikal (see Anisimova et al. 2019) and likely occurs east near contiguously through south-east Russia and north-east China. In Mongolia, at least a passage migrant, although perhaps breeds (Ganbold et al. 2017, eBird 2022), and recently the species has been confirmed in the breeding season in at least three wetlands in northern Japan (Miya et al. 2005, Senzaki et al. 2021). When not vocalising, it is highly elusive hence its non-breeding grounds are inadequately known. It has been recorded on passage and in winter in Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Japan (including the Nansei Shoto Islands) and southern and eastern China.

Conservation Actions Underway
It is legally protected in China, South Korea and Japan. It occurs in a number of protected areas including Khanakiski (Khanka) and Khinganski State Reserves (Russia), Mongol Daguur Nature Reserve (single record) (Mongolia), and Xingkai Hu (Lake Khanka), Zhalong National Nature Reserve and Poyang Hu Nature Reserve (China). No specific actions for this species are known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Refine population estimates. Elucidate the extent of its breeding range using playback experiments. Research its ecological requirements and identify key threats. Improve protection of its habitat in Russia and in protected areas in China, as well as on the wintering grounds.