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This is breeding resident which is also native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia and northern Australia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as near threatened (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 in most tanks with water lilies in the lowlands both in the wet zone and the dry zone. I have never seen it at any altitude more than 200 meters. In the north it is found in Mannar and the Jaffna peninsula.

They are hard to spot among the foliage but at locations such as Anawilundawa and Nawadankulama their presence can be easily detected when the males start to pursue a female in flight. During these courtship flights they continuously make their characteristic nasal call.

In Wilpattu I have seen these quaint little ducks at Panikkar Villu, Tala Wila and Borupan Wila.