This species occurs on arid hills and along sparsely vegetated stony or rocky slopes (Jennings 2010). It avoids flat and sandy landscapes. The species can survive long periods without drinking water and shows several behavioural and morphological adaptations to hot and arid conditions: It is most active around sunrise and sunset, it moves slowly, avoids long flights and pants in hot weather. Moreover, its plumage has wide bar gaps between feathers (Jennings 2010). The species feeds on seeds and invertebrates, which it takes by systematically searching rocks and vegetation. Occasionally, it visits human habitations where it picks up discarded food (Jennings 2010). The highest breeding activity in Arabia has been recorded in March (Jennings 2010). The nest is made from grass stems and other fine plant material, lined with softer material and with a rampart of small stones on the exposed side, or surrounded by small stones when in an open site. It is always placed on the ground in the shade of a rock or plant (Jennings 2010). Clutches mostly contain three eggs (Jennings 2010).