This species inhabits rocky, arid mountain hillsides, wadis, gravel plains and deserts, often interspersed with acacia (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). There is no information available about its diet in the UAE; elsewhere it takes seeds mainly of acacia, but also of Indigofera, Asphodelus, Salsola and Cassia bushes (Jennings 2010). Shortly before sunrise and after sunset, the species gathers in small groups of 10 to 15 birds at water sources (Jennings 2010). The species is probably more active during the night than during the day, when it retreats to shady places, e.g. under an acacia bush (Jennings 2010). It is well camouflaged and only flushes late, responding to disturbance with short-distance flights to hide behind some nearby vegetation or rock (Jennings 2010). It is likely that the species is generally not a good flier and only travels short distances to water sources (Jennings 2010). Pairs are regularly observed during January to October, with a peak between February and May (Jennings 2010). Egg-laying starts in February, and chicks are observed between March and August (Jennings 2010). The nest is scraped in stony or gravelly ground and unlined, and is sometimes placed next to a rock or bush (Jennings 2010). Both parents incubate the eggs and raise the young; families stick together until the chicks are fully grown (Jennings 2010).