The painted tiger parrot occurs in montane and subalpine forests and shrub at elevations of 2,400-4,000 m. Often, this species is seen in cautiously feeding in low bushes, eating a variety of seeds, berries, and small fruits of dacrydium conifers. It is also known to feed alongside Madarasz's tiger parrot. When startled, it flies into the canopy. This species is usually seen in pairs of groups of up to six birds.[3]