Least Concern — fairly common across suitable wetland habitats.

29–31 cm in length; a long-legged waterbird with extremely long toes adapted for walking on floating vegetation; glossy bronze-green wings contrast with dark body.

Resident species — largely non-migratory with some local seasonal movements.

Does not migrate long distances; may shift locally following monsoon-driven wetland availability.

Mainly June to September, closely linked to the monsoon.

Nests on floating vegetation such as lotus or water lilies; unusual polyandrous system where the female mates with multiple males; males incubate 3–4 eggs and care for chicks.

Prefers freshwater marshes, ponds, lakes, oxbow wetlands, and slow-moving waters with abundant floating plants.

Feeds on aquatic insects, larvae, molluscs, crustaceans, along with seeds and plant matter picked from water surfaces.