There are both resident and migratory birds in the distribution area, and they overwinter in the southern part of the distribution area. It is a resident bird in Thailand and may be a resident bird in the Philippines. They are resident birds and some migratory birds in Malaysia. They migrate from October to December and April to May and pass by the islands and lighthouses in the Strait of Malacca. Kalimantan is mostly resident. The Greater Sunda Islands in Indonesia are resident birds, and their numbers increase in winter due to the migratory birds that fly over from mainland Asia to spend the winter. Lost birds were seen in Taiwan, China, Palau Islands in Micronesia, and Western Australia (July). The red-legged rail is mainly distributed in Southeast Asia. In China, it is only found in Taiwan. It should be an occasional stray bird.

Often active in tall grass and shrubs on river banks and lakeside. It is good at hiding. It mostly hides in grass or shrubs during the day. It comes out in the morning, dusk and night, and often chirps. The cry is clear and loud and can be heard from a long distance. When chirping, it often stretches its neck forward and swings back and forth from side to side. It is fast and agile when running on the ground, so it often runs at high speed to escape enemies. It can also fly in times of crisis and through open water, but the flying speed is not fast, its wings flap slowly, and it often cannot fly very far and quickly falls into the grass. Because the feet are long and have very long toes, it is very convenient to walk on wetlands, but when taking off and flying, the two long legs have to hang underneath. Often alone or in small groups. It is active and alert. When it is disturbed, it often runs on the ground. Sometimes it will fly out from the ground and rest in a tree.

It is omnivorous and feeds on grass seeds, crustaceans and insects, as well as grains.

Call: During the breeding season, it emits a series of loud nasal sounds in the morning and evening, with intervals of half a second; it also makes a slow falling trill.