Previous research suggested it can inhabit "most" habitats in the lowlands, including primary forest and tall secondary forest (Beehler et al. 1986, K. D. Bishop in litt. 1994). Further surveys suggest that it is most abundant in primary and secondary forest, although it can be found persisting in traditional gardens (Diamond et al. 2009, eBird 2021). Visits to north-western Kofiau in 2012 and 2019 found the species to be common in lightly wooded village gardens, secondary forest, selectively logged forest and tall primary forest (K. D. Bishop in litt. 2013, van Beirs 2019). There is circumstantial evidence that immature individuals may only occur in tall, closed-canopy forests (Diamond et al. 2009). Individuals perch at 1-12 m and are not thought to venture up into the canopy (Diamond et al. 2009).

Tanysiptera ellioti is endemic to Kofiau in the West Papuan islands of Indonesia, where it is abundant in primary and secondary forest (Diamond et al. 2009).

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out a major survey of Kofiau to assess the current population size. Clarify the species' ecological preferences and tolerance of habitat degradation. Establish a monitoring programme to assess population trends. Establish a protected area on the island to ensure the on-going presence of primary forest.