This species inhabits coastal and inshore waters; occasionally, individuals have been observed inland over brackish water and sewage treatment plants close to the coast (Jennings 2010). It forages in shallow water over reefs, in the surf, in harbours and near jetties (Jennings 2010). It feeds by surface-dipping and plunge-diving, taking small fish like anchovies, sardines and mackerel, as well as invertebrates (del Hoyo et al. 1996, Jennings 2010). It nests colonially on sandy islands or on sandy or even stony patches on well-vegetated islands (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). Breeding colonies are often associated with other tern species (Jennings 2010). The breeding season starts immediately upon arrival to the breeding colony, with eggs being recorded between April and August (Jennings 2010). The nest is a shallow scrape on soft sand, compact sand, shingle or stony surface or on a seaweed carpet, which may be lined with shells, fish bones, corals, pebbles or plant material (Jennings 2010). Usually, clutches contain two eggs (Jennings 2010). The species is migratory. After breeding, the colony is abandoned. The movements of this species are not well known; however it is assumed that the species disperses widely in the Indian Ocean, wintering between the coast of Kenya, the west coast of India and the Laccadive and Maldive islands (Jennings 2010).