It is mainly confined to undisturbed, tall, humid lowland forest, although there are scattered populations in dry zone riverine forest. Most records are from below 920 m, although it has been recorded up to 1,540 m. It forages frequently in mixed-species flocks , usually in the canopy (Kotagama and Goodale 2004. In fact, it is possible its restriction to mature forest is influenced by its dependence on the mixed-species flock system (Mammides et al. 2015). Its preference for foraging in the tops of trees may also limit its distribution. Its diet consists primarily of invertebrates (Salgado 2006), but also includes fruit and berries. Breeding has been recorded from January-May, but it may also breed from August-September. Nests are placed on high bushes in the dense forest undergrowth.  It may make seasonal altitudinal movements.

This species is endemic to Sri Lanka, primarily occurring in the wet zone of the south-west of the island and locally in the dry zone (BirdLife International 2001).

Conservation Actions Underway
It is legally protected in Sri Lanka. A moratorium was passed in 1990 to protect wet zone forests from logging and this has been largely successful, although localised degradation continues. It occurs in several national parks and forest reserves, most notably Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area, Gal-Oya National Park, Senanayake Samudra Sanctuary, Uda Walawe National Park and Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. Listed as Vulnerable nationally (Ministry of Environment 2021).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Ensure that all remaining areas of lowland forest are entirely protected. Ensure that existing protected areas are maintained with legislation well-enforced. Investigate the feasibility of habitat restoration. Identify whether this species is threatened by anything other than habitat loss. Establish population monitoring for this and other threatened species in Sri Lanka.