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This is a common breeding resident found in wetlands throughout the lowlands. This species is native to India, Southeast Asia and Indonesia. Populations that breed in South China and Himalayas migrate to India and Southeast Asia during winter. 

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 spices throughout the lowlands up to about 300 meters in altitude. It is a very common species in waterways with floating vegetation and marshlands. It is equally common in dry and wet lowlands. While its English name reflects its pheasant like tail the Sinhala name gives meaning to its unique calls, which resembles a cat.

In Wilpattu this species is found in water bodies with floating vegetation such as Tala Wila, Panikkar Villu, Aalam Villu and Periya Villu.