This species occurs in lowland plains, preferably in sandy, but also in gravelly or bare country and scrubland (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It also frequents coastal dunes, beaches and inshore islands (Aspinall and Porter 2011). Even though it inhabits mostly arid zones, it needs daily access to water, for which it may fly more than 30 km one way (Jennings 2010). There is no information available on its diet in the UAE; elsewhere in Arabia and Africa it takes seeds, spilt grain, plant shoots and insects (Jennings 2010). The species is undergoing seasonal feeding movements, which are most likely triggered by food shortage in the area (Jennings 2010). The species breeds opportunistically when conditions are favourable and rainfall has been sufficient. Consequently, it may breed year-round, though most breeding activity has been recorded in April and May (Jennings 2010). The nest is scraped in the sand or gravel, often unshaded and in bare country, although there is usually some vegetation nearby (Jennings 2010). Clutches contain two to three eggs. Both adults assist in incubating the eggs and raising the young, which often stick to their parents until fully grown (Jennings 2010).