[3][4] There is substantial geographical variation in the colour of the plumage on the belly, which is reflected in the separation of the western brown-bellied birds from the other subspecies recognised.

[3] These grasses may form extensive areas of grassland in comprise the understorey component of low open savannah and woodlands of Desert Oak (Allocasuarina decaisneana), Eucalypts and Mulga (Acacia aneura).

[3] Presence around urbanised areas is rare, however does occur in natural habitats occupied by humans and is reported to have foraged on food provided to domestic fowl on at least one occasion.

[9][10][11] They are more frequently observed congregating around water sources in small groups for drinking prior to and during the hottest parts of the day around mid-morning and noon.

[4] On occasion, this species engages in a spectacular bowing display, where the tail is spread erect like fan, the folded wings are raised and the pupils contract.

[13] Breeding occurs throughout the year with highest levels during spring and summer, coinciding with peak rainfall periods and increased supply of food.

[3][5] The diet is almost entirely made up of the seeds of drought-resistant grasses and herbs, with spinifex perhaps surprisingly not an important food source overall (Frith and Barker).

Foraging mostly occurs early in the morning and late in the afternoon during cooler periods of the day in close proximity to water sources.

[3][8] Spinifex pigeons are weak long distance fliers being more suited to vertical and short horizontal movements, which aid in escape from predators in preferred habitats such as steep hills and gorges.

In general calls range from a soft high-pitched coo or cooloo-coo to a deep coo-r-r-r.[16] Spinifex pigeon inhabit harsh desert environments and must be able to cope with substantial water and heat stress.

Their geographic range includes one of the hottest places on earth, Marble Bar, Western Australia, where air temperatures exceed 37.8 °C up to 160 days of the year.

[8] The ability of the spinifex pigeon to withstand high ambient temperatures is a combination of low body heat production, the ability to increase non-evaporative heat loss by hyperthermia and elevated dry thermal conductance, and a relatively high evaporative water loss.

[8] There are early reports from settlers that the replacement of horse studs with sheep grazing initially resulted in a reduction in the extent of suitable habitats for this species.

[12] Current threats are more likely to include overgrazing by stock and feral animals, inappropriate fire regimes and increased ambient temperatures and reduction in water availability due to climate change.

However, the spinifex pigeon can be easily distinguished by its smaller size, rusty coloured plumage, distinctive facial markings and occurrence in desert habitats.