Low, dashing flight between clumps of rushes. Feeds clinging to reeds, close to ground or over water, taking insects and small aquatic life. Melodious, loud, variable and ceaseless singing from perch in the breeding season with puffed  feathers and small raised crest. Usually silent in winter.

Found in dense reeds, rushes, Cumbungi in freshwater swamps, moist wetlands, inland bore drains, parklands.