This species's ecology and habitat requirements in the UAE are not well known; thus the following information refers to its global distribution range during the non-breeding season. The species inhabits inshore and offshore seas and islands, as well as lagoons, estuaries and harbours (Richardson 1990, Snow and Perrins 1998). Less frequently, it may also occur in inland habitats, such as large lakes and rivers (Urban;et al. 1986, Richardson 1990, Snow and Perrins 1998). It is often seen foraging in large flocks on arable land, pasture land, and on refuse dumps (Richards 1990, del Hoyo et al. 1996). The species is an omnivorous, opportunistic feeder that forages extensively at sea. Its diet consists of small fish, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, bird eggs and nestlings, carrion, offal, rodents, berries;and grain (Urban et al. 1986, del Hoyo;et al.;1996, BirdLife International 2000, Olsen and Larsson 2003). It often follows fishing fleets, feeding on discarded bycatch (BirdLife International 2000). Outside of the breeding season, the species is gregarious. The species is migratory and travels with many stopovers from its wintering grounds to the breeding grounds in northern Eurasia (del Hoyo;et al.;1996, Olsen and Larsson 2003). It breeds colonially, often with other gull species, in colonies ranging in size from a few pairs to several tens of thousands (Richards 1990, Snow and Perrins 1998,;Mitchell;et al.;2004).