This bird breeds in the Caucasus and the higher mountains of Turkey and Iran, with vagrants occasionally reaching the Greek Eastern Aegean Islands in winter.

Outside the breeding season, it occurs in small flocks, typically seen searching through thistle patches.

It is a popular cagebird, and escapees from captivity are occasionally found throughout Europe.

The bird is variable in plumage, with adults resembling very dark redpolls.

The foreparts are sooty and the forehead is red; juveniles have buff-brown heads.