This species forages both on the ground and in low shrubs or trees. Its diet is varied and includes fruits, seeds, and a range of small insects such as caterpillars, beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers. In some rural areas, it is often seen searching for leftover grains in farmyards. During nesting, both adults care for the chicks, although the female is more actively involved. Nest building is discreet and quiet, making early nests difficult to locate.

Coryphospingus pileatus thrives in dry forests such as caatinga and restinga, as well as forest edges, open shrublands, farmland, and even gardens.

We observed nests in Arcos, Minas Gerais (27 nests) and Quebrangulo, Alagoas (1 nest).

In Arcos, the species breed from October to November and in Quebrangulo, from July to August. These periods align with the rainy season in both areas.

Their nests are small, bowl-shaped, and built low in forked branches of shrubs, ranging from 0.4 to 2 meters above the ground. They are crafted from leaf veins and grass fibres, held together with spider silk. The interior is often lined with horsehair and mammal fur. A detailed analysis of one nest revealed it contained hundreds of plant fibres and over 70 strands of hair.