Rallidae

Diurnal. In pairs or flock. Runs, swims, dives with equal rapidity, flies in a laboured fashion when disturbed. Usually very wary and furtive. Gregarious, usually living in small groups during the breeding season and in flocks during winter. Nest is a bulky platform of reed stems, sticks and other local vegetation, built in reeds or on a low branch over hanging water.

Wetlands, Swamps; margins of lakes or streams.

August to December. Five to seven eggs; can be up to 20 occasionally when two or more females use the same nest. Eggs usually creamy-white with spots and blotches of reddish-brown. Two broods often raised in succession.

Omnivore, Aquatic life and plants; seeds; green shoots; insects and small aquatic animals.