This species is found in arid open desert plains with scattered vegetation and gravelly, sandy or stony rises (Aspinall and Porter 2011). It avoids proximity to humans (Jennings 2010). There is no information available on its diet in Arabia, but it is assumed that the species mainly feeds on seeds, which it collects in small groups on the ground (Jennings 2010). For thermoregulation, it retreats to shady areas beside rocks or trackside debris like discarded tyres, and regularly visits the holes of Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx microlepis during the hottest times of the day (Jennings 2010). The breeding period likely lasts from March to June (Jennings 2010). The nest consists of a cup made from twigs and grasses, lined with finer grasses, plant downs and feathers, which is dug into the ground. It is protected by a small wall made from pebbles. Nests are placed on the northern or north-eastern side of rocks or plants in order to grant shade to the incubating birds, eggs and nestlings (Jennings 2010).