It is a resident (non-migratory) breeder in open scrub, grassland and cultivation in southern Asia east to the Philippines.

Young birds are more richly coloured below than adults and have the pale edges to the feathers of the upper parts more conspicuous with more prominent spotting on the breast.

[5] Considerable colour and morphological variation with age and latitude make the species difficult to identify from museum specimens.

During the breeding season, it sings by repeating a note during its descent from a short fluttery flight, a few feet above the ground.

Exposed nests are sometimes domed or semi-domed, the long grass at the back and sides extending over the top.

The usual clutch is three or four eggs with greenish ground colour and numerous small brown specks at the larger end.

[9] It feeds principally on small insects but consumes larger beetles, tiny snails, worms etc.