 The seed of taller plants is accessed by perching close to the source and taking them into the bill directly.When taking to the ground to feed, it again uses its foot and beak to bend the grass sheaths, and then will frequently regain a higher vantage point to survey the surroundings.The species favours seed of sedge species "Lepidosperma" ("Lepidosperma tetraquetrum" and "Lepidosperma squamatum") but will eat seed from other plants in its habitat.