[1] Its habitat is dense reedbeds in swamps and wetlands, and fringing vegetation by lakes, ponds and rivers.

[1][2] It used to be considered a subspecies of the purple swamphen, which it resembles, but has olive-chestnut mantle and scapulars, and the whole plumage is tinged with ash-grey.

[citation needed] EBird describes the bird as "A large, colorful waterbird of wetlands with a purplish-blue body and front of the wings, a dark brown back and back of the wings, white under the base of the tail, and bright red legs, bill, and forehead shield.

[4] This species occupies a variety of wetlands fresh or brackish ponds, lakes, canals and rivers with overgrown vegetation.

These birds are generally uncommon and its wetland habitat is in danger of being converted into farmland and residential areas.