| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | Length about 34–36 cm; wingspan 45–50 cm; weight ~150–200 g. A medium-sized wader with long toes and claws for walking on floating vegetation. Breeding adults have striking black and white plumage with a golden-buff back and long tail feathers, while non-breeding adults are browner and shorter-tailed.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Resident in South and Southeast Asia, with populations in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. Some populations are partially migratory.
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| Migrate to: | Northern populations migrate locally to southern and central India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia during winter.
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| Breeding season: | June to September in India, coinciding with the monsoon. Courtship involves aerial displays and ground calls.
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| Breed in: | Nests are floating platforms of aquatic vegetation, anchored to reeds or lily pads in shallow water. Clutch size is 4–6 eggs, incubated mainly by the female; males assist in guarding the nest.
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| Habitat: | Prefers shallow freshwater wetlands, ponds, marshes, and lakes with floating vegetation, especially water lilies. Often seen walking gracefully on leaves and stems.
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| Diet: | Feeds on insects, mollusks, small crustaceans, and seeds. Forages by picking prey from floating vegetation or water surface.
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