Grazes on grass early morning and mid afternoon. When grass is poor, will eat leaves on low shrubs and bushes, needs water each day. Found in open woodland, avoids open savannas. Forms herds of 10 to 20 cows and calves. Herds may graze together in groups of up to 100 animals.
Bulls stake out territories by breaking off branches of trees and bushes with horns.
Generally peaceful but will confront predators with horns. Mating season or rut lasts about 2 months. In Kenya, rut takes place in June and July. Farther south in Zimbabwe, breeding takes place later in the year. Related species, the blue buck became extinct around 1800.