It is found in New Guinea and nearby smaller islands, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

This forms a wide patch around and behind the eye and includes a bib on the chin and the sides of the throat.

It occasionally forms larger flocks, and communal roosts in tall trees have been described, containing over two hundred birds.

It is a noisy bird, emitting a variety of "nasal, growling, and croaking calls with a sometimes human-like conversational quality".

The nests are formed of twigs and one or two pale blue eggs speckled with grey and rust are laid.

Three birds have been observed carrying nesting material into a single hole, so it is possible that there is some degree of cooperation from the extended family.