Previously placed in Sylvia (del Hoyo and Collar 2016) but moved to current genus following Cai et al. (2019). Until recently considered conspecific with C. deserti (AERC TAC 2003, Cramp and Simmons 1977-1994, Dowsett and Forbes-Watson 1993 and Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) (see related note/s). Proposed subspecies theresae (from Sind, in Pakistan) falls within range of individual variation of nominate. Monotypic.

This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence under 20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (under 10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be over 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend is not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing sufficiently rapidly to approach the thresholds under the population trend criterion (over 30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

The global population size of this species is unknown. In Europe, the total population size is estimated at 80-140 mature individuals, with 40-70 breeding pairs (BirdLife International 2021), but this represents a negligible proportion of the species' global range.

This species inhabits steppe-desert and semi-desert areas covered with Artemisia, low scrub and grasses and is usually found in sandy terrain but less frequently on stony soils. Egg-laying occurs in the nominate race from late April and in Africa (deserti race) from January to early March in the south of the range. Clutches are usually four to six eggs (Aymí and Gargallo 2016). The nest is a strong, thick-walled cup made of twigs, grass stems, leaves, plant down and cobwebs, lined with finer grasses and fibres and usually down. It is built in low scrub up to 110 cm above the ground (Snow and Perrins 1998). The diet is thought to be mostly small insects with some seeds and berries taken as well. The deserti race is resident to partially migratory but probably largely sedentary or undertaking erratic movements within its desert range (Aymí and Gargallo 2016).

The species is affected by habitat loss driven by overgrazing and agricultural intensification (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997). Continuing drought along with overgrazing has resulted in habitat loss in some areas (Aymí and Gargallo 2016).

This species has been reported as used in trade at a low prevalence, being found in one of the seven trade datasets evaluated (Donald et al. 2024).

Conservation Actions Underway
CMS Appendix II. Bern Convention Appendix II. 

Conservation Actions Proposed
The restoration of suitable habitat is needed for this species. Traditional low-intensity farming and grazing methods should be restored and promoted.