This species is often seen alone or in pairs, calling frequently with loud, nasal sounds. Its diet mainly consists of insects, including cicadas and wasps, which it captures in flight or while perched, often beating them against branches before swallowing. It also eats fruit and has been observed catching fish from shallow water. Both parents care for the young, defending the nest vigorously from predators like monkeys and toucans. While both may be involved in feeding and guarding, only the female is responsible for nest construction in some areas.

Megarynchus pitangua inhabits forested areas, wooded fields, and even urban parks, typically favouring the upper canopy of tall trees.

We observed nests in Arcos, Minas Gerais (5 nests), Quebrangulo, Alagoas (1 nest), Camaçari, Bahia (1 nest) and Alto Parnaíba, Maranhão (1 nest).

This species breeds year-round, with peak activity from February to May in northeastern Brazil and from September to December in other regions.

The nest is an open, shallow cup built high in trees (usually 7 to 16 meters, occasionally as low as 3 or as high as 30 meters). It is constructed from twigs, dry leaves, grass, and small roots, and is often placed in branch forks or near tree trunks. The interior is lined with finer materials such as fern rhizomes and epiphyte roots. Nests are typically exposed and unshaded.