It favours thickets and damp undergrowth in broadleaved evergreen forest, foraging in groups of 2-3 birds, and feeding on earthworms, seeds, berries, seedlings, leaves and insects (Madge and McGowan 2002). It breeds in March-August and lays a clutch of 6-8 eggs (Madge and McGowan 2002).

Arborophila crudigularis is confined to the foothills and mountains of Taiwan (China), where it occurs in broadleaved forest at 100-2,300 m (J. Ko in litt. 2014). The population is thought to number substantially more than 10,000 mature individuals (J. Ko in litt. 2014), but its population trend is unclear. Although it is probably secure inside protected areas, it may be in slow to moderate decline elsewhere, owing to habitat loss and degradation.

Conservation Actions Underway
Some 11% of Taiwan, China is protected, in six national parks and in nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, and the species is well represented in these protected areas.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to assess its population size. Monitor populations both inside and outside protected areas. Enforce the protection afforded to the species by the national parks.