Generally, they are found in habitats with sufficient vegetation cover to allow them to hide—savannah and hilly areas, including the fringes of human settlements.

There are 14 subspecies described,[1] ranging from chestnut in forested areas of Angola to grizzled gray in northern savannas and light brown shades in arid regions.

Breeding is year round and the female gives birth to one fawn after a gestation period of 6 to 7.5 months.

The common duiker has a wide diet; beyond browsing for leaves, flowers, fruits and tubers, they will also eat insects, frogs, small birds and mammals, and even carrion.

The overall success of this species stems from its ability to inhabit a wide variety of habitats, as well as from its adaptable, generalist diet.