It favours short grass habitats, with a scattering of karoo-type dwarf shrubs, and with termite mounds but few trees, usually within a kilometre of water.

[1] This bird is largely terrestrial; when disturbed it crouches down, and on being approached tends to walk or run away with head dipped.

It usually occurs in pairs or in small family groups, and forages for insects, lizards, scorpions, seeds, flowers and leaves.

[1][4] The population of this species was estimated to be between 8,000 and 10,000 mature birds in 2017 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

However, according to the IUCN, the area of suitable habitat is being reduced due to grassland being converted for agricultural use, and this is expected to continue.