African jacana

The African jacana is a wader in the family Jacanidae. It has long toes and long claws that enables it to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes, its preferred habitat. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. For the origin and pronunciation of the name, see Jacanidae.

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Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Found on shallow freshwater bodies with abundant floating vegetation, including lakes, ponds, marshes, floodplains, and slow backwaters. Prefers extensive beds of water lilies and other floating plants where it can forage by walking across the leaves. Avoids fast-flowing rivers and very deep open water. Local movements follow rains and changing water levels, and it readily colonizes seasonal pans and wetlands.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size23–31 cm

Wing Span40–50 cm

Male Weight0.15 kg

Female Weight0.22 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the lily-trotter or 'Jesus bird', it appears to walk on water thanks to extremely long toes that spread its weight over floating leaves. The species shows sex-role reversal: larger females are polyandrous while males incubate the eggs and carry chicks under their wings. Nests are flimsy platforms on floating vegetation and can be moved by the male if water levels change.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and territorial around nesting sites

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; reluctant, low flying between patches of vegetation

Social Behavior

Exhibits polyandry with females holding territories that may include multiple males. Males build the nest, incubate the eggs, and brood and carry chicks tucked under the wings. Nests are floating platforms, and males may drag or relocate them if threatened by water movement.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched squeaks and chatters, often given in flight or during territorial encounters. Calls can become rapid and scolding near the nest or when disturbed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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