It is found in subtropical and tropical (lowland) dry shrubland in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,500,000 km². The status of the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

They forage in undergrowth for grass seeds and those of herbaceous plants. The nest is built by the males, of grass stems and panicles, in a low bush or tree. The clutch consists of 3-5 white eggs. Both parents incubate for 13 days and the young fledge after 20 days.

Not easy to see.