It is found on Timor island, where it plays an important cultural role.

[2] Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests; it tends to be most present near roads, particularly flat low-traffic roads near rivers and mangroves.

[2] It is threatened by human-caused habitat loss—caused by logging, forest fires, and illegitimate grazing[3]—and poaching.

[4] It feeds primarily on nectar, and also eats insects and fruit.

[2] Timor friarbirds live in pairs or small groups.