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This is breeding resident which is also found through out tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia.

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.

This is essentially a bird found in the dry lowlands with a small population in the western province. They are usually not seen in large flocks. One or two individuals are usually seen in the company of Little Cormorants and Indian Shags. It is a common water bird at all the dry zone fresh water bodies and can be often seen diving for fish or dryings its wings over looking a water body.

Its sightings around the water bodies in Colombo are on the increase with birds being regularly seen flying over as well as at localities such as the lakes around the parliament, Bellanwila Attidiya and Thalangama.

It is a common bird in Wilpattu and can be often seen at locations such as Kokkare Villu, Panikkar Villu, Pomparippu and Tala Wila.