Barred Cuckoo-shrikes occur mainly in humid, forested regions of the east coast occasionally as far south as Newcastle, but in NSW, more frequently in the far NE. They are more widespread up the coast of Queensland, often in the proximity of rainforest where their main food trees abound, and outside Australia they occur in New Guinea and outlying islands.

Very little is known about Barred Cuckoo-shrikes. They feed and nest high up in the tree canopy where detailed observation is difficult. They are predominantly fruit eaters, particularly native figs. In many areas they are seen more in spring and summer, suggesting that in winter they may move north but in NE Queensland they are regarded as resident the whole year round. Most observations are of birds feeding in fruiting trees, sometimes congregations of up to 20 or so birds.