This prinia is a resident breeder in northeastern Africa (the Nile valley in particular) and southern Asia, from Egypt and Somalia east to Saudi Arabia, where it is sometimes called streaked wren-warbler.

[2] This active passerine bird is typically found in shrub or tall grass in a variety of habitats with thick undergrowth, tamarisks or similar cover.

Graceful prinia builds its nest in a bush or grass and lays 3 to 5 eggs.

The underparts are whitish with buff flanks, and the bill is short and black.

In winter, adults are brighter sandy brown above with weaker streaking, there is more buff on the sides, and the bill is paler.