A known as Chatak in Hindi and Marathi, Bibeeha in Punjabi, Erattatthalachi Kuyil in Malayalam and Kondai Kuyil in Tamil drinks only rain water drop by drop as it pours down. It does not drink any other kind of water i.e. water from ponds, streams, rivers or collected rainwater. It is said that this bird can live for many days without water. However when it gets thirsty it calls on Megh, the lord of rain and its call is always answered.

Birds require water both for drinking and bathing.