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This is a rare breeding resident found in marshy areas of the lowlands. Other than in Sri Lanka it is found in Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and South-east Asia.
The conservation status of this species is regarded as Vulnerable (National Red List 2012).
This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.
During the 22 years that I have engaged in serious bird watching I had encountered this species only on 12 occasions. In the dry zone I have seen it at Bundala, Wasgomuwa, Lunugamvehera and Minneriya National parks. In the north I have seen it at Mannar and in the Jaffna peninsula. In the wet zone I have met with it at Bellanwila Attidiya, Thalangama wetlands and at Pillawa paddy fields.
This is a very rarely seen species at Wilpattu. I have seen it only at Borupan Wila.