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This is a common migrant species mainly to the dry lowlands. Small populations can be observed in the wet lowlands too. This dabbling duck breeds in Europe and western Asia and winters in southern Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Australasia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have found this species to be most numerous in the north where I have counted flocks over one thousand birds on many occasions in the Jaffna peninsula and in Mannar. In February 2011 I counted three thousand birds congregated at Vankalai Sanctuary in Mannar, which is my highest count of these birds so far. It is quite common throughout the dry lowlands and can be seen at all the dry zone national parks and sanctuaries during the migrant season. I have also observed small numbers in wet zone marshes such as Bellanwila Attidiya, Thalangama and Kotte marshes as well.

In Wilpattu I have seen this species at Panikkar Villu, Tala Wila, Periya Villu and at Borupan Wila.