The species is restricted to dry, deciduous spiny forest, 5-15 m high, on sandy soil, with an abundance of Didierea trees, also tolerating highly degraded forest (Langrand 1990, A. F. A. Hawkins in litt. 1995, Morris and Hawkins 1998) and inhabiting very low-stature, sparse coastal scrub (Seddon et al. 2003). It feeds by picking invertebrates (and some seeds) from under the litter layer by a combination of shallow probing, flicking over dead leaves, and digging in sand. Although adapted for flight, the species in fact only flies to reach elevated roost sites and nests, and evade predators (Seddon et al. 2003). It breeds year-round in cooperative groups of 2-9 individuals that may include just one breeding pair or multiple male and female breeders (Seddon and Tobias 2013). These groups defend territories of 7-21 (mean of 14.9) ha (Seddon 2001, Tobias and Seddon 2002). In contrast to all other bird species in the same habitat, the species can continue to breed through the dry season and access food resources such as termites and buried invertebrate larvae (Seddon et al. 2003). The nest is a loosely woven platform of twigs, c.15 cm in diameter and c.5 cm deep, with a very shallow cup lined with fresh lichen. Breeding groups are known to construct up to five nests in a breeding season. One or more commonly two eggs are laid in each nest. Some populations are male-biased, perhaps due to higher female mortality during diurnal incubation and dispersal (Seddon et al. 2003).

Monias benschi is restricted to a narrow coastal strip, originally 30-60 km wide and 200 km long, in south-western Madagascar between the Fiherenana and Mangoky rivers. It is common within suitable habitat, occurring at population densities of 0.2-0.3 individuals per ha (Seddon 2001). Although such habitat is threatened in the north-central, eastern and southern parts of this species's range, there is a fairly large intact block (c.2,500 km²) north of Manombo (Seddon et al. 2000). In 2002, the total population was estimated to be 115,000 individuals (Tobias and Seddon 2002).

Conservation Actions Underway
The spiny forest of south-west Madagascar has been identified as the biogeographic region in greatest need of additional reserves nationally (Du Puy and Moat 1996). The northern part of this region, to which the species is restricted, is entirely unprotected and is suffering the most rapid degradation (Seddon et al. 2000). Potential conservation measures have recently been recommended for the area, designed in consultation with local communities (Seddon et al. 2000).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct regular surveys to monitor population trends. Continue to monitor the clearance of spiny forest. Establish a coordinated network of community-based conservation areas, including a large protected area (Seddon et al. 2000). Improve agricultural efficiency and control charcoal production.