It appears to be a resident of lowland and hill forest with tangled undergrowth, but it persists well in mature secondary growth, selectively logged and degraded forest, and natural bamboo areas. However, it is not found outside larger connected forest areas and does not occur in small unconnected forest patches, monoculture forest plantations or shrub land (M. van Weerd in litt. 2016). Is is a very vocal species, living in groups of 3-10 birds, sometimes in mixed groups with other species (M. van Weerd in litt. 2016).

Endemic to Luzon and its satellites, Polillo and Catanduanes, in the Philippines, where it is uncommon and local (Collar et al. 1999).

Conservation Actions Underway
This species is nationally protected under the Philippines Wildlife Act. While there are no specific conservation programmes for this species, its forest habitat is protected in several protected areas in the northern, central and southern Sierra Madre, the Zambales Mountains and the Cordillera Mountains (M. van Weerd in litt. 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Protect areas of lowland forest within the species' range. Enforce restrictions on agricultural encroachment and logging within such protected areas. Generate density estimates to inform a revised population estimate for the species. Continue to monitor population trends by calculating rates of forest loss within its range using satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques. Conduct an ecological study of this species to understand its diet, movements, and habitat preferences (J. van der Ploeg in litt. 2020).