This species occurs in a wide range of habitats, preferring semi-desert and sandy or stony plains with low scrub and grass vegetation (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It is also frequently found along the edge of cultivations, along roadsides, on salt flats and on coastal dunes (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It feeds on the ground or in small bushes, taking mainly seeds, insects and caterpillars (Jennings 2010). During the hottest time of the day, it retreats to shaded areas where it often prostrates on the ground or in holes of Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx microlepis (Jennings 2010). The breeding period is usually in spring, but breeding may occur year-round, depending on environmental conditions like temperature, humidity and rainfall (Jennings 2010). The nest is a small cup dug in the ground, which is lined with grass or soft stems and leaves. It is placed at the base of vegetation, preferably Anabasis articulata, and positioned to avoid the afternoon sun (Jennings 2010). Clutches contain two to four eggs (Jennings 2010). Outside of the breeding season, the species is nomadic, forming large flocks to move inland away from the breeding grounds (Jennings 2010, Pedersen et al. 2017).