This species occurs in dry habitats with open wooded and thorn scrub areas (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). Sparse and low vegetation is an important habitat characteristic for this species (Yosef and International Shrike Working Group 2016). It generally avoids narrow, enclosed areas such as wadis and hillsides, as well as cities (Jennings 2010). It prefers the same habitat type both during the breeding and the non-breeding season (Jennings 2010). It is closely associated with acacia scrub and only occurs where acacia is present (Jennings 2010). The species is a highly opportunistic feeder; it feeds principally on large insects and on small vertebrates such as rodents, particularly voles, but also small birds, lizards, amphibians and snakes (Lefranc and Worfolk 1997, Jennings 2010). Large items are broken down to transport and to swallow (Jennings 2010). Surplus food is stored on the thorns of acacia or other thorny plants, which are used as larders (Jennings 2010). The breeding period peaks in March to May, but breeding may start as early as November (Jennings 2010). The nest is an untidy structure with a loose foundation of twigs, grass, rootlets, string, lined with rootlets, feathers and hair. It is generally placed high above ground in a fork or on a lateral branch of a thorny bush or tree with thick foliage, preferably acacia (Jennings 2010). Clutches contain three to four, occasionally up to six eggs (Jennings 2010). In the UAE, up to three broods per season have been recorded (Jennings 2010).