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This is an endemic species found through out the Country.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species throughout the island except in the Jaffna Peninsula. Close to the city of Colombo these graceful flyers can be seen at Kotte Marshes, Thalangama wet lands and at Bellanwila Attidiya.

During their breeding season, which is April to July, they will alight close to muddy puddles to collect soft earth to build their nests. A pair would repeatedly visit a chosen location for this purpose offering good opportunity for one to photograph these highflying birds at ground level.

In Wilpattu these birds can be seen in areas bordering the park. I have seen them at Hunuwilagama, Kirimatiyawa, Thanthirimale, Vilachchiya and Galkadawala.