Habitat
Breeds in seasonally flooded, non-tidal areas dominated by Black Mangrove Avicennia marina, on the landward side of littoral forest. In non-breeding season lakes that are rich in aquatic vegetation, and in the subsequent dry season in coastal wetland areas of shallow water and nutrient-rich mud, including saline and brackish areas. preferring open rather than vegetated wetlands, most often in coastal mangrove forest, bays, estuaries and shallow saline wetlands just inland of mangroves.
Population
Estimated population is 1,500 - 2,500 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat loss and disturbance through conversion to agriculture, aquaculture, hunting, human activities, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Usually pairs or small groups.
Food
When moulting on terrestrial and aquatic insects, seeds of various plants, the leaves and stems of monocotyledons.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet