The wattled jacana is a wader in the family Jacanidae found throughout much of South America east of the Andes, as well as western Panama and Trinidad. It is the only species in the Jacanidae family with such a large distribution. Wattled jacanas have long toes and claws which help them walk through aquatic vegetation. Like the majority of species of jacanas, the female is larger than the male, and forms harems of up to 4 or 5 males at any given time. There is also a major difference in proportional development or ornamentation and defense relative to body size when compared to males.
Region
Tropical South America and southern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs east of the Andes throughout much of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela through the Guianas and Brazil to Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina, and also in western Panama and Trinidad. It inhabits freshwater wetlands with abundant floating vegetation, including marshes, pond margins, slow backwaters, oxbow lakes, and rice fields. The species favors shallow water with dense mats of water lilies, water hyacinth, and other emergent plants. It readily uses human-modified wetlands provided there is adequate cover and floating substrate.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Wattled jacanas have extraordinarily long toes that spread their weight, letting them walk on floating vegetation like water lilies. Females are larger and polyandrous, maintaining harems while males build the nest, incubate the eggs, and care for the chicks. Adults possess sharp wing spurs used in territorial disputes. Males can carry small chicks tucked under their wings across open water.
Temperament
territorial and vigilant
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; weak flier over short distances
Social Behavior
The species is polyandrous: a larger female maintains a territory that includes several males. Males build floating nests, incubate the eggs, and provide most parental care. Nests are placed on floating vegetation, and chicks are precocial and can be carried under the male’s wings when threatened.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, nasal, and piping, often given in flight or during displays. Calls include sharp squeals and repeated kek or kree notes that carry across wetlands.
