| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern. The species has a very large range and large overall population, although the population trend is believed to be decreasing.
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| Approximate size(adult): | Length: ~ 55-65 cm. Wingspan: ~ 83-95 cm. Body mass: males ~ 1,200-1,500 g; females somewhat lighter (~ 790-1,350 g).
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Primarily resident in most of its range (Indian subcontinent). Some local movement in response to water availability. Northern populations show occasional migratory behaviour.
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| Migrate to: | Does not have well-defined long-distance migration to specific areas; any movements tend to be local or seasonal (e.g., some individuals from northern India may move when habitats dry or winter approaches).
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| Breeding season: | In northern India: usually July-September. In southern India: November-December. Multiple broods may be raised.
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| Breed in: | Nest is on the ground, hidden in vegetation near water. The nest is made of grass/weeds, lined with down/feathers. Clutch size generally about 8-14 eggs. Incubation begins after the full clutch is laid (so that the chicks hatch together) and the young are able to swim and feed shortly after hatching.
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| Habitat: | Freshwater wetlands: lakes, marshes, ponds, irrigation tanks, shallow ponds with emergent vegetation. Prefers medium-sized wetlands with vegetation cover; avoids very large open water bodies. Also uses coastal or inland wetlands, possibly with vegetated edges.
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| Diet: | Mainly vegetation: wild grain, seeds, shoots of aquatic plants, grasses, sedges. Also takes invertebrates: water insects, worms, molluscs/snails. Feeds by dabbling, up-ending, head-dipping in shallow water. Often feeds in evening or nighttime.
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