Wattled Jacana

The Wattled Jacana is a distinctive wetland bird best known for its extraordinarily long toes and claws, an adaptation that spreads its weight so it can walk across floating aquatic vegetation such as lily pads without sinking. Plumage is deep chestnut over most of the body with a black head and neck, set off by a yellow frontal shield and red wattles above the bill; in flight, the flight feathers flash pale yellow-green. It is widespread in wetlands from Panama through much of South America.

Key field marks

• Chestnut body with black head and neck.
• Yellow bill with a yellow frontal shield and red facial wattles.
• Extremely long toes and claws, evident when walking on floating vegetation.
• Yellow-green flight feathers visible in flight.

Similar species

Northern Jacana (found from Mexico to western Panama) is very similar but the two species' ranges barely overlap; Northern Jacana has a slightly different wattle shape. Within most of its South American range, the Wattled Jacana is the only jacana present.

Wattled Jacanas inhabit freshwater marshes, ponds, lake edges, and slow-moving rivers with abundant floating and emergent vegetation, from lowlands up to moderate elevations. The species ranges from Panama through most of South America east of the Andes to northern Argentina. It is largely resident, though some local movements track water levels and habitat availability.

Voice

A loud, harsh, chattering rattle, given frequently, especially when disturbed or during territorial disputes.

Feeding

Jacanas walk deliberately across floating vegetation, picking insects, other small invertebrates, and occasional seeds from leaves and the water's surface.

Nesting and breeding

The species has a polyandrous mating system: females are larger and more brightly ornamented (larger wattles) than males, mate with multiple males within a territory, and lay clutches for each; the males alone incubate the eggs and care for the precocial chicks, which can walk and swim shortly after hatching.