This species is endemic and uncommon. It inhabits evergreen forests at the heights of 700m-1,400m (during breeding season) and deciduous forests at a lower elevation (during the non-breeding season) of the Western Ghats and the Palani hills. It breeds during March-July. It mostly forages on berries, fruits, and small insects.

Conservation Status:
 

According to the IUCN Red List assessment, the population of this species is declining, and its current population size is unknown. The threat to its persistence comes from habitat disturbance due to the conversion of forest into the plantation and human settlements. Extensive extraction of reed bamboos for industries is also a threatening factor for this species.