Usually solitary, sometimes in loose flocks following flowering events. Forages low in the canopy, in shrubbery or on the ground taking nectar, fruit and insects. Lively, musical, resonant 'prrrip-prrrip', often in duets.

Well adapted to dry areas. Found in scrubby heathlands, arid scrub, open woodlands with acacia, sand plains, dune thickets, parks and gardens.