The name of the Rufous Beaked Snake refers to the reddish brown color of the snake and its sharped hooked beak which it uses to dig. These snakes are mainly active during the day when they hunt for lizards and small mammals. During the warmer parts of the day they are often found in burrows.

When harassed this snake will hiss and try to escape.

They are considered to be mildly venomous; although not medically important some form of envenomation has been reported and caution should be taken when handling them.