The northern jacana or northern jaçana is a wader which is known as a resident breeder from coastal Mexico to western Panama, and on Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola in the Caribbean. It is sometimes known to breed in Texas, United States, and has also been recorded on several occasions as a vagrant in Arizona. The jacanas are a group of wetland birds, which are identifiable by their huge feet and claws, which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. In Jamaica, this bird is also known as the 'Jesus bird', as it appears to walk on water.
Region
Central America and the Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal Mexico through Central America to western Panama, and on Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola, with occasional vagrants to the southern United States. It inhabits shallow freshwater wetlands with abundant floating plants such as water lilies and water hyacinth. Typical sites include marshes, pond margins, oxbow lakes, and slow backwaters; it also uses flooded fields and reservoirs. It avoids deep open water and fast-flowing rivers but may tolerate slightly brackish conditions near mangroves where floating vegetation persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Famed for its extremely long toes and claws, the northern jacana can distribute its weight to walk atop floating vegetation—earning the nickname 'Jesus bird' in Jamaica. It has a polyandrous mating system: larger females defend territories that include multiple males, and the males incubate eggs and rear the chicks. Bright yellow wing panels flash in flight, and adults sport a red frontal shield above a yellow bill.
Showing the pale yellow-green wing feathers
Northern jacana foraging at Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Juvenile northern jacana
Jacana spinosa - MHNT
Jacana pair and chick near a caiman
Temperament
territorial and vigilant; females especially assertive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering flights over water
Social Behavior
Strongly polyandrous: a female maintains a territory containing several males. Males build nests on floating vegetation, incubate the eggs, and provide most parental care. Chicks are precocial and can run across lily pads soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives sharp, high-pitched yips, squeals, and nasal peeps, often in rapid series. Alarm calls are loud and insistent, frequently delivered in flight or during territorial chases.
