These are widespread in mainland Australia, particularly along the eastern coast, they are also found in south-east Asia, New Guinea,  New Zealand and  on numerous smaller Pacific islands covering a range of latitudes from the tropics to the sub-Antarctic. Their habitat is dense reeds, grass and vegetation bordering many types of wetlands and crops; they also make widespread use of artificial wetlands like sewage ponds and drainage channels. They are generally shy and elusive which makes seeing one quite flukey but they are not uncommon in our area, look for a bird like a small Bantam walking slowly with a raised tail that flicks constantly.
They are an omnivorous scavenger feeding on crustaceans, molluscs, insects, seeds, fruit, frogs, carrion and even refuse; feeding is done early in the morning or in the evening and either singly or in pairs.
Males and females look alike and make an unlined cup-shaped nest of grasses or reeds in long grass, tussocks, rushes or crops. The young leave the nest within 24 hours and begin feeding themselves, much like chickens, however they remain with the parents who may feed them as well, two broods can be raised in some seasons.