These birds are typically seen in pairs and tend to remain very still for long periods, carefully watching their surroundings. They dig their own nests by burrowing into earthen banks, usually along protected, vegetated slopes. In areas like Arcos, Minas Gerais, researchers have found several old nesting cavities grouped close together, suggesting a high site fidelity over time.

Malacoptila striata inhabits forested areas, secondary woodlands, and roadside embankments covered with shrubs and vegetation.

We observed nests in Arcos, Minas Gerais (3 nests).

In Arcos, the breeding season span from September to December.

Nests are tunnel-shaped cavities dug into slopes along paths or embankments. Observed nests were located 0.6-1.5 meters above ground, with entrance diameters of 7 to 8 cm and tunnel lengths between 75 and 90 cm.

During one observation, both parents brought a variety of insects to feed their 10-day-old chicks, including grasshoppers, cicadas, butterflies, spiders, and beetles.