These waterhen species inhabit subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, wetlands, marshes, dense swamps, reedbeds and paddy fields.
The white-breasted waterhen feeds primarily on invertebrates, aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, worms, small frogs and mollusks. It also feeds on seeds, grass, shoots and berries.
The white-breasted waterhen breeding season is usually between June and October, but varies locally.
The white-breasted waterhen are resident birds in most of their ranges. They may make local movements for breeding and feeding. Some northern waterhen populations may move southwards for wintering.
These birds are usually seen singly or in pairs as they forage slowly along the edge of a waterbody mainly on the ground but sometimes clambering up low vegetation.
The tail is held up and jerked as they walk.
They probe with their bill in mud or shallow water, also picking up food by sight.
They may sometimes feed in deeper water in the manner of a moorhen. They nest in a dry location on the ground in marsh vegetation.
It has been a protected bird in Maldives since 11th July 1999.
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