| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
|
| Approximate size(adult): | A large waterfowl species measuring 56–76 cm in length with a wingspan of 116–145 cm. Males are larger, with a prominent black knob at the base of the bill, glossy black-and-white plumage, and iridescent sheen on wings; females are smaller and plainer.
|
| Resident/ Migrate from: | Resident across sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
|
| Migrate to: | Generally non-migratory, but some populations undertake local dispersal in response to seasonal water availability.
|
| Breeding season: | Breeds primarily during the wet season, which varies regionally. Nests are ground scrapes near water lined with vegetation, and clutch size is typically 6–12 eggs.
|
| Breed in: | Prefers freshwater wetlands, marshes, lakes, and ponds with abundant emergent vegetation for cover.
|
| Habitat: | Found in freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and large wetlands, often in open water areas with nearby vegetation for nesting. Occasionally forages in paddy fields and flooded grasslands.
|
| Diet: | Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, grains, and small invertebrates. Dabbling or grazing in shallow water and along edges.
|