This species inhabits coasts and inshore islands and is only rarely seen inland or at freshwater (Cramp and Simmons 1983, Urban et al. 1986, del Hoyo et al. 1996). It is found at harbours and ports, and forages inshore in intertidal zones, rarely extending up to 150 km offshore (Cramp and Simmons 1983, Urban et al. 1986, del Hoyo et al. 1996, Jennings 2010). It is generally commensal with humans; near the east coast of the UAE, the species often associates with beach fishermen (Jennings 2010). Its diet consists mainly of dead fish and fishermen's offal, as well as tern eggs and chicks (Urban et al. 1986, del Hoyo et al. 1996, Jennings 2010). The breeding season can vary slightly between years; usually it starts in April/May and may last until June or longer (Jennings 2010).The species breeds on predator-free and undisturbed islands, which are well-vegetated, arid sandy or sometimes rocky, where it establishes loose colonies (Jennings 2010). The nest is a bare scrape or depression, sometimes decorated with small pieces of debris like sticks or pebbles, which is placed under an overhang, against a rock or under a Suaeda or other haplophytic bush (Jennings 2010). Clutches contain two to three eggs (Jennings 2010). After hatching, chicks are fed with small fish, which is regurgitated by the adults (Jennings 2010). The species is migratory; after breeding, it disperses from the colonies and migrates southward to the east African coast (Jennings 2010).