Occurs from close to sea level to at least 1,600 m (Holmes 1989). Mound-builder, apparently breeding throughout the year (Elliot and Kirwan 2020). It is assumed that males defend a mound based territory and multiple females lay in mounds of successful males. Mounds found at the base of large trees and may be up to 3.6 m wide (Jones et al. 1995).

Occurs on the West Papuan Islands of Salawati and Misool and Vogelkop, northwest Papua and from the Bomberai peninsula to the southern foothills of the Snow Mountains east to the Mimika River (Indonesia). The range overlaps with that of T. fuscirostris in the latter areas, with this species occupying higher elevations where both are present (Holmes 1989). Considered common above 100 m on Misool Island, with sparse human densities and likely to be secure despite intensive egg collection close to settlements (Jones et al. 1995).

Protected under Indonesian law.