In Somalia, the species is found in riparian woodland, usually near water, and has also been seen in towns (Madgwick 1986). In Ethiopia, it has also colonised windbreaks planted next to irrigation channels (Brown 1977) and although usually associated with water, even small pools (Ash and Miskell 1998), it is also found in drier vegetation a few kilometres from rivers (Urban et al. 1986), where it replaces other Streptopelia species (Brown 1977). More recent data from Ethiopia shows that it can also be found in Afro-tropical highlands such as the Bale Mountains (eBird 2023) and Awi zone wetlands (Bezabh 2016). It has been found to occur at least up to 4000m in elevation (eBird 2023), and could possibly be present at higher elevations within its range, where suitable habitat is present. S. reichenowi forages mainly on the ground, with berries being an important food item. Breeding is known to occur in January and February in Ethiopia (del Hoyo et al. 1997). The nest is a loose platform of interlaced petioles and twigs, 15 cm in width and situated 2.5 m high in a Parkinsonia tree. The clutch-size is two (Baptista et al. 2020).

Streptopelia reichenowi is found in the vicinity of the Jubba and Shabeelle rivers which flow from Ethiopia into Somalia, and their tributaries, extending well into Ethiopia (e.g. up into the Bale Mountains, where some of these tributaries start), and including the Dawa river (a tributary of the Jubba) along the border between north-east Kenya and Ethiopia. Recent records show however that it actually occurs in other parts of Ethiopia too, such as within the vicinity of the Ethiopia Rift Valley Lakes to Addis Abbaba (eBird 2023), and the Awi zone wetland habitats in the western part of the country (Bezabh 2016). It appears to be still relatively locally common, at least within the southern half of its range (Ash and Miskell 1998, Baptista et al. 2020). Based on additional reported records, the species may also be present north-west of Addis Abbaba extending into north-western Somalia (eBird 2023), and farther south-west in Kenya from its current known range at Lake Baringo Ramsar Site (Koyo 2001).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in at least two National Parks (Bale Mountains and Malka Mari). No conservation action for the species is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys within and adjacent to the species' known range, to gain more accurate knowledge on its distribution, particularly in the northern half of Ethiopia and north-western Somalia, and obtain a total population estimate. Establish regular monitoring of the species to determine its population trend. Study the species' tolerance for habitats outside of riparian woodland and its ability to survive in modified habitats. Monitor rates of riparian woodland clearance and degradation within its range. Protect areas of the species' habitat.