During the breeding season, this species inhabits preferably freshwater sites like gravelly river islands, sandy shores of lakes, brackish and freshwater ponds as well as sewage treatment plants, and is also found at pools in remote deserts and along streams in the mountains (Richardson 1990, Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). The preferred habitat of individuals overwintering in the UAE is not well known; but it may frequent more coastal areas like mudflats (Aspinall and Porter 2011). Migrants mainly occur in small flocks between February and April on their journey to the breeding grounds and between September and October on passage to the wintering grounds; they tend to stay further inland at temporary desert rain pools, while avoiding mudflats along the coast (Richardson 1990, Jennings 2010). Its diet consists mainly of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, which it takes from the water surface or wet ground, often near fish drying places or livestock enclosures (Jennings 2010). The breeding season lasts from March to July (Jennings 2010). The species is territorial and nests in open areas with patches of sand or shingle near streams and lagoons of freshwater, brackish water or irrigated lands (Jennings 2010). The nest consists of a shallow, unlined depression in gravel or bare ground, in which three to four eggs are laid (Jennings 2010).