Common breeding resident in grasslands,
scrublands and paddy fields in low country dry zone. Usually seen as pairs or
solitary birds. Also not uncommon in suitable habitats in wet zone and hills
like in tea plantation. It feeds on seeds, termites etc. picking up from the
ground usually in the morning and evening. In this bird, the normal role of the
sexes is reversed and female courts males uttering long purring call and she
also practices polyandry. Having laid 2 to 4 eggs in a nest compose of dry
grass, rootlets etc. in a hollow at the base of a small shrub, she leaves while
her mate incubate them and bring up the chicks. The breeding season last for
most of the year but most likely months are January to March and again July to
August of the year.
