This species inhabits barren or wooded mountain areas, sandy or gravely plain and semi-deserts, which are interspersed with rocky outcrops, trees and bushes (mainly acacia) (Jennings 2010, Aspinall and Porter 2011). Its diet is very broad; depending on availability, the species preferably takes Hare Lepus capensis and Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx microlepis, but other species like reptiles, Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis, rodents, hedgehogs, small foxes, and occasionally carrion and rubbish<span> (Jenning 2010). Prey taken are usually 0.5-4.0 kg; the species can hunt in pairs or small groups (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). The species tolerates arid environments and can survive a long time without drinking water, when it gets its liquids from its prey. During summer, groups of up to 20 birds, mostly immature individuals, have been recorded at water holes in the Empty Quarter (Jennings 2010). In the UAE, the population is sedentary, occasionally supplemented by a few vagrant individuals from elsewhere (Jennings 2010). The breeding season lasts from December to April. Clutches contain two eggs, and in years with good food supply, both chicks are raised (Jennings 2010). Nests are constructed from sticks, sometimes also incorporating palm fronds, green twigs and foliage, and are added to in successive years, growing to 2 m in diameter. Pairs usually build two nests, which are used in rotation. In the UAE, nests are always placed in the top of trees (mainly acacia or Ghaf) or, where proper trees are absent, in a bush (e.g., Calligonum comosum) low above the ground (Jennings 2010).