This species is closely associated with water, both coastal and inland, preferring islands and remote coasts in proximity to shallow water and reefs (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). It forages close to the shore over shallow water. Its diet include a wide variety of fish between 5 and 75 cm long, which is taken in the talons after a shallow dive and carried to a feeding perch or the nest (Jennings 2010). The migrant population breeds in Eurasia and spends the non-breeding season in the UAE or passes through the country on migration to and from the non-breeding grounds in tropical Africa (Jennings 2010). Generally, migrants and non-breeding birds occur further inland, avoiding the coastal zones occupied by resident birds (Kjellén et al. 1997). Birds are generally solitary and usually migrate alone, but may congregate in small groups at roosts or plentiful food sources (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). The species migrates on broad fronts and is not dependent on land bridges during migration (Snow and Perrins 1998, Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001); birds readily cross bodies of water using flapping flight, but can soar easily over land. It is entirely diurnal (Brown et al. 1982). The species is monogamous and defends a territory (Jennings 2010). The breeding season lasts from November to April or May (Jennings 2010). The species nests preferably on islands and only rarely on the mainland, in areas which are free from mammal predators and human disturbance (Jennings 2010). Nests are made from halophyte woody vegetation, sticks and litter, and may be over 2 m in height and 1.5 m in diameter. They are mostly placed on the ground, often on prominent headlands, coral pinnacles and ridges, or in halophyte bushes and mangroves. Occasionally, the species uses man-made structures like abandoned buildings and vehicles, shipwrecks, harbour buoys, pylons, floodlight towers, artificial nesting platforms or even oil installations (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). Clutches contain two to four eggs (Jennings 2010). After fledging, females disperse from the nest site (Jennings 2010).