The White-breasted Waterhen is a common breeding resident in our area. Although most are found in and near all sorts of wetland, it also occurs in parks with bushy growth, large gardens and in scrub and other cover near seepage patches and puddles. This may represent an extension in recent years of the types of habitat occupied.

It favours bushy cover along the edges of wetlands and is less often seen in large reedbeds or in the middle of large water hyacinth patches. Typically, it will be spotted walking rather sedately with high steps and jerking tail at the edges of cover, along paths or on nearby lawns. It is usually rather nervous and secretive but it can be confiding in places where it is used to people. It has even been known to take bread from human hands.

The White-breasted Waterhen nests from June to October when water levels are at their highest. At that time it can be very noisy uttering various grunts and chuckles. When in territorial disputes it makes a strange roaring noise that sounds like it must come from something much bigger. Although it does not flock and is quite territorial, the density of birds can still be high in favoured spots. However it is most familiar as a bird of village ponds, small swamps and roadside drainage ditches.