They nest December and January, in colonies of up to 20 birds or with other species of birds in colonies of several thousand. They build stick nests in trees or on cliff ledges. They lay 2-3 eggs which hatch after 30 days.

They are protected by law in many places particularly in India. Although common over much of the range they are listed as endangered in South Africa. Although large enough to be a potential meal; they scavenge at carcasses and through human waste in villages, this makes then unappetising and able to survive in populated areas.

They are powerful birds and their large, heavy bills are a formidable weapon that can be used to stab prey or intimidate other scavenges in to dropping food. They are generally scavengers, but they will hunt small prey such as rodents, reptiles and fish, and they have been known to kill and eat adult Flamingo.