Found in mallee and woodland habitats across southern Australia, including parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. They prefer areas with deep, sandy soil suitable for mound construction.

This shy and incredibly camouflaged bird is difficult to spot as it blends seamlessly with its environment. Look for a large, stout, greyish-brown bird with intricate patterns, moving slowly on the ground. Its presence is often indicated by its large, distinctive incubation mounds, which are easier to locate than the bird itself. Be quiet and patient.

Year-round, but mound building and egg-laying activity are most intense from late autumn through spring (typically April-November), when males are most actively maintaining their mounds.