Weak flight. Resides in family groups, hopping through low shrubbery, generally feeding at higher levels that other fairy-wrens. Territorial. Forages from the ground and higher for insects, larvae and spiders. Fruits and seeds are also eaten.

Found in southwestern forests with shrubby understorey, parkland, orchards. Avoids built-up areas. Inland habitat: dense saltbush, mulga and mallee-spinifex areas and watercourse vegetation.