Solitary, but after breeding often gather in flocks of 5-30, usually with mixed feeding flocks. Perches, pounces on prey from a low branch. Eats insects, larvae, spiders. Sallies for flying insects or probes bark or foliage. In winter, often scans from a prominent perch.

Found in tall, moist eucalypt woodlands and forests with open understorey and clearings. Winter habitat: lowland, drier open woodlands and forests, native grasslands, gardens.