This species inhabits rocky hills, slopes and terraced fields in the highlands (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It favours areas with bushes, sparse trees and a dense vegetation cover on the ground (Jennings 2010). Its diet includes invertebrates (grasshoppers and other insects), which it takes from the ground, sometimes even by running and chasing (Jennings 2010). Within the UAE, it breeds above c. 500 m, ranging to he highest elevations (Jennings 2010). During winter, highland birds migrate to lower elevations (Jennings 2010). In general, the breeding season of this species varies across regions and the onset of breeding in the UAE remains largely unknown. It has been suggested that the species is double-brooded, with a first clutch produced at lower altitudes with juveniles hatching between October and April, and a second clutch produced subsequently after moving to higher altitudes from late March/April on (Jennings 2010). The nest is usually loosely constructed of grass and placed in a natural hollow on a hillside, concealed by a boulder or bush (Jennings 2010). There is the possibility that locally nests might be parasitised by the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), which is assumed to breed in Musandam (Oman) and maybe ranging into northern UAE (Jennings 2010).