It is a sedentary resident of mangroves and associated swamps (particularly comprising Acrostichium, Saccharum, Imperata and Nypa spp.) in the coastal lowlands (BirdLife International 2001, Eaton et al. 2021). It occurs in freshwater swamps and grassland scrub adjacent to brackish water swamps (possibly suboptimal habitats), although it appears to be excluded from mature stands of Rhizophora and Bruguiera by C. sinensis, occupying fringing habitat instead. It has also been recorded in teak forest and well inland, and has been recorded feeding on young rice seeds in agricultural areas (Budi 2014).

Endemic to Java, Indonesia. A specimen labelled from Sumatra (BirdLife International 2001) is considered to be of doubtful origin. While there are no historical records from Madura or Bali (BirdLife International 2001), there are recent records from both (Prihatmoko et al. 2023). Given a combination of survey coverage and biogeography, the population on Bali (if it is even established) is considered likely to refer to escapes, while those on Madura are probably native.

Conservation Actions Underway
The species has been recorded in some protected areas (eBird 2024, UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2025), but the majority of suitable habitat lies outside of the protected area network.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to assess the importance of known sites and to locate populations, particularly in Segara Anakan and on the north coast of Nusa Kembangan island, where much suitable habitat exists (D. L. Yong in litt. 2014). Research further its habitat requirements and particularly the importance of mangrove swamps to its survival. Establish further protected areas where appropriate, either in their own right or as extensions to existing reserves. Investigate the possibility of habitat restoration at heavily disturbed sites. Afford full legal protection and promote public awareness campaigns to reduce snaring of birds in coastal swamps.