The Madagascar jacana is a species of bird in the family Jacanidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in freshwater wetlands, lakes, and slow-moving ponds with abundant floating vegetation such as water lilies and lotus. It favors shallow margins where emergent and floating plants form dense mats. The species also uses flooded rice fields and marshy backwaters when natural habitat is scarce. Nesting and foraging are closely tied to stable water levels and undisturbed vegetated rafts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Madagascar jacana is a lily-treading specialist with extraordinarily long toes that spread its weight over floating vegetation. Like other jacanas, it is polyandrous: females defend territories while males incubate eggs and carry downy chicks under their wings. It is threatened by wetland drainage, invasive plants, and disturbance across Madagascar’s freshwater habitats.
Temperament
shy and wary around disturbance
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with dangling legs; weak, fluttering flights between patches
Social Behavior
Typically polyandrous: a larger female maintains a territory encompassing the smaller males’ nesting areas. Males build simple floating nests, incubate the clutch, and brood or even carry chicks under the wings. Pairs or family groups often remain close to dense vegetation for cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, squeaky piping notes and high-pitched yelps, often given in alarm or during territorial disputes. Vocalizations carry over open water and are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Chestnut body with contrasting dark head and mantle; crisp white hindneck/nape and throat; glossy dark upperparts. Long toes and claws adapted for walking on floating leaves.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates picked from floating leaves, including beetles, flies, and aquatic larvae. Also takes small snails, spiders, and occasionally seeds or tender plant material. Foraging involves careful stepping across lily pads and probing or gleaning from the water surface and vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Most often seen on rafts of lilies and other floating plants, at sheltered lake margins and calm backwaters. Uses emergent vegetation edges and channels where prey concentrates and cover is nearby.
