They are very discreet, always on the move on the ground or in low vegetation. They live in couples or small bands, searching their food that consists of grasses, miscellaneous insects, rice, pieces of cassave. They also eat the wrapping of oil palm trees. They are always on the defensive and hide at the slightest alert. The nest is build at 3 to 5 meters, it is round with a side entrance, and is made of dry fine grass.
Parents take care properly of the chicks, if they have enough insects in their food.
The chicks fledge around the age of 3 weeks, and start eating bunches of millet.