African Jacana

The African Jacana is an unmistakable wetland bird that appears to walk on water thanks to its remarkably long toes and claws, which spread its weight across floating vegetation such as water lilies.

Appearance

• Rich chestnut-brown body plumage
• White foreneck and face contrasting with a black crown
• Pale blue bill with a bright blue frontal shield above it
• Extraordinarily long toes and slender claws on each foot

Key field marks

• Chestnut body with a white face and throat
• Black cap and a blue bill with a pale blue frontal shield
• Exceptionally long toes, longer than the legs
• Females are noticeably larger than males, an unusual reversal for birds

Similar species

The Lesser Jacana is much smaller, lacks the blue frontal shield, and has a shorter, more pointed bill. No other African wetland bird shares the combination of chestnut body and blue-shielded bill.

Range

Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever suitable still or slow-moving freshwater exists.

Habitat

Inhabits lakes, ponds, dams, and marshes with abundant floating vegetation such as water lilies and other aquatic plants.

Movement

Largely sedentary, though individuals may shift locally as water bodies dry up or flood.

Behavior

Walks confidently across floating leaves using its long toes to distribute body weight, appearing to walk on water.

Voice

Gives loud, sharp, scolding or growling calls, especially when alarmed near the nest.

Feeding

Picks insects, small invertebrates, and some seeds from the surface of floating vegetation and water.

Nesting and breeding

The African Jacana has a polyandrous breeding system: females mate with and lay eggs for several males, and each male alone builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the chicks on floating vegetation.