Nesting habitats in India have been described by
Walkinshaw (1973). The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary
area, where the birds nest commonly, is in a
forestry region where many trees such as babul (Acacia
arabica), kandi (Prosopsis spicigera), and keli kadamb
(Stephegyne pan/ifolia) occur in higher elevations and
on the impoundments. Some dead trees also occur on
the flooded marsh. The entire area is pastured by cattle
and water buffalo, and during the rainy season no
vegetation protrudes above the water for a time. However,
soon after the rains begin, there is an extensive
plant growth. The total annual rainfall is about 27
inches, mostly coming during the monsoon period.
Nesting is tied to the wet period, and in years where
nesting areas remain unflooded the birds may not nest
at all, even though they may remain on the territory.