During the breeding season, Oriental Plovers inhabit arid and semi-arid steppes, open grasslands, and dry plains in Central Asia. In their non-breeding range, they are typically found in wide-open, dry habitats such as short-grass plains, cultivated fields, airfields, and sometimes near dry lakebeds or coastal areas, often far from standing water.

These birds are usually seen foraging by running a few steps, stopping abruptly to scan, and then picking prey from the surface. Their camouflaged plumage blends well with dry, open ground. When disturbed, they may fly off in a loose flock. Their call is a sharp, often repeated 'chip' or 'chirrup'.

Oriental Plovers are primarily diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Their presence in a particular region is seasonal, corresponding to their migratory movements; they are present in their breeding grounds during the Northern Hemisphere summer and in their non-breeding grounds during the Southern Hemisphere summer.