The Common Moorhen is a widespread and reasonably common resident in our area. Although often called the Indian Moorhen, the species occurs in most of the Old World (Africa-Eurasia) and is common throughout its range.  In our area there is no evidence of any local movements or inward migration in winter. It occupies small as well as large wetlands as long as there is enough emergent vegetation. Even village ponds and roadside ditches provide suitable habitat. It is particularly fond of waterside bushes in which it clambers readily. Common Moorhens tend to occur as individuals or pairs and can be quite aggressive territorially. However scattered flocks of up to 50 birds will gather after the breeding season. Almost every wetland will hold a few pairs. Common Moorhens are rather shy and often swim off with jerking tails and bobbing heads as soon as they are approached. They also fly readily, diving into thick cover such as reedbeds, to hide.

They nest from June to September, when water levels are at their highest during the monsoon. The nest is rather large, deep and made of dead reeds. It is usually hidden in a reed clump although occasionally they will nest off the ground in waterside bushes. They feed out among floating vegetation, on wet mud and on waterside lawns and other grass.