The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is a waterbird they are dark slaty birds with a clean white face, breast and belly. They are largely crepuscular in activity and during the breeding season, just after the first rains, make loud and repetitive croaking calls.

 Adult White-breasted Waterhens have mainly dark grey upperparts and flanks, and a white face, neck and breast. The lower belly and undertail are cinnamon coloured. The body is flattened laterally to allow easier passage through the reeds or undergrowth. They have long toes, a short tail and a yellow bill and legs. Sexes are similar but females measure slightly smaller. Immature birds are much duller versions of the adults.

 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 mainly eat insects (large numbers of beetles have been recorded), small fish, aquatic invertebrates and seeds .

 The nesting season is mainly June to October but varies locally. They nest in a dry location on the ground in marsh vegetation, laying 6-7 eggs. Courtship involves bowing, billing and nibbling. The eggs hatch in about 19 days. Both sexes incubate the eggs and take care of the chicks. Adults are said to build a roost or brood nest where young chicks and the adults roost.

These photos were clicked in Lodha heaven, near river bank, dombivili east thane maharastra.