This species inhabits lithified sandy areas and arid, rocky areas like mountains and steppe in the lowlands below 1,000 m. It is found on cliffs, crags, rocky outcrops and small isolated hills on the plains, as well as in sandy deserts interspersed with trees and bushes, often near the coast (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It feeds mainly on rodents (Lepus, Rattus, Meriones, Jaculus and Gerbillus species), but also on birds, bats, lizards and large invertebrates (Jennings 2010). When available, it is drawn to troughs and wells for drinking water (Jennings 2010). It generally avoids proximity to humans (Jennings 2010). Being solitary between August and December, pairs form in December and begin breeding in late January. The species nests on the ground, under Leptadenia and Ghaf vegetation,;in rock cavities, protected by an overhang, in an unlined sandy depression, which may be used in consecutive years (Jennings 2010). Clutches contain two or three eggs. Juveniles in the nest have been recorded until June (Jennings 2010). Humans approaching the nest are chased off by angry distraction displays including hooting and screaming, bill snapping, flapping along the ground and tumbling down slopes (Jennings 2010).