Least Concern

A medium-sized wader, measuring about 23–28 cm. The female is larger and more colorful than the male — with a rich chestnut head and neck, greenish-brown back, and a white breast band. The male is duller and browner, providing camouflage while incubating eggs.

Largely resident in India and much of tropical Asia, though some populations make local seasonal movements depending on rainfall and water availability.

Local migrant — moves between wetlands within the same region, especially during or after the monsoon when feeding and breeding grounds are abundant.

Usually June to October in India, coinciding with the monsoon season. The female courts the male — a role reversal seen in few bird species. The male incubates the eggs and raises the chicks. Nest is a shallow scrape near water with 3–4 eggs.

Found in marshes, flooded grasslands, paddy fields, and wet meadows with tall grasses or reeds that provide cover.

Prefers freshwater wetlands, pond margins, swampy fields, and reed beds. Active mostly at dawn and dusk, often seen walking slowly along muddy edges searching for food.

Feeds on insects, worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. Uses its long, sensitive bill to probe mud or shallow water for prey. Occasionally eats seeds and small aquatic creatures.