The main habitat of this species are wadis and acacia scrub (Jennings 2010). It is also frequently found in well-vegetated parks, gardens and palm groves (Aspinall and Porter 2011). It feeds mostly on fruit, as well as on seeds and invertebrates and less frequently on nectar, leaves and flowers (Fishpool and Tobias 2005, Jennings 2010). Occasionally, it takes human food scraps and visits bird tables (Jennings 2010). Pairs establish a permanent bond. The breeding season can last from January to September, but peaks between March and April. There are hints that the species is double-brooded, but confirmation is still lacking (Jennings 2010). Clutches usually consist of less than three eggs, although occasionally four or five have been observed (Jennings 2010). The nest is a cup or small basket of thin twigs, grass stems, moss and leaves with the base constructed of broad leaves (sometimes with newspaper, strips of plastic or cotton wool) and the structure is held together by cobwebs and cotton threads, lined after a fashion with hair, shredded bark and rootlets, apparently sometimes unlined (Fishpool and Tobias 2005, Jennings 2010). It is placed in a bush or tree at least 2 m above ground (Jennings 2010).