Wattled Jacana

About

The Wattled Jacana is a striking wading bird known for its exceptionally long toes and claws, which allow it to walk across floating vegetation on shallow wetlands. It exhibits polyandry, where females mate with multiple males, and males are solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing. Its vibrant plumage and distinctive frontal shield make it easily recognizable.

Size & lifespan

Length

17-23 cm (6.7-9.1 in)

Wingspan

30-35 cm (11.8-13.8 in)

Weight

80-140 g (2.8-4.9 oz), females typically larger than males

Lifespan

Up to 10 years in the wild

Diet

Omnivore, primarily insects and other invertebrates, supplemented with seeds and aquatic plant matter.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have a chestnut body, black head and neck, and a bright yellow-green primary and secondary flight feathers, visible in flight. The rump and tail are chestnut. The underparts are chestnut, often with a blackish wash on the belly.

Beak shape

The bill is yellow, relatively short and pointed, with a red base extending into a prominent, fleshy, bright red frontal shield (wattle) that covers the forehead.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Dull greenish-grey to yellowish-green, with extremely long, slender toes and claws.

Distinguishing features

The most distinctive features are the bright red frontal shield, the chestnut body, black head and neck, and the extraordinarily long toes and claws. In flight, the bright yellow-green wing patches are conspicuous.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles have a white underparts, a white supercilium (eyebrow stripe), a brown crown and nape, and a brown back. The frontal shield is absent or very small and dull. The wings show the same yellow-green flight feathers as adults.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The brightness of the frontal shield may vary slightly with breeding condition.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males, but plumage is identical. This reversed sexual dimorphism is characteristic of polyandrous species.

How to identify

1. 1

   Red Frontal Shield

   Look for the prominent, fleshy, bright red wattle covering the forehead and extending onto the bill. This is a key distinguishing feature from the Northern Jacana.

2. 2

   Plumage Coloration

   Observe the chestnut body, black head and neck. In flight, the bright yellow-green primary and secondary flight feathers are unmistakable.

3. 3

   Long Toes and Claws

   Note the exceptionally long, slender toes and claws, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation. This is characteristic of all jacanas.

4. 4

   Behavior on Water

   Watch for its unique 'walking on water' behavior, gracefully stepping across lily pads and other aquatic plants.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its harsh, chattering, or squeaky calls, especially when disturbed.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Freshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

Geographic range

Central and South America, from Panama south through much of South America to northern Argentina and Uruguay, and Trinidad.

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Shallow water bodies with abundant floating vegetation such as water lilies, hyacinths, and other aquatic plants, which provide a substrate for walking and foraging.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Forages by walking across floating vegetation, picking insects, larvae, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates from the surface of plants or water. Also consumes seeds and small fish. Uses its long toes to distribute its weight and move effortlessly over lily pads.

Social behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs, though sometimes in small loose groups. Females are territorial and defend territories that encompass multiple male nests. Males are solitary in their nesting duties.

Flight pattern

Flight is relatively weak and fluttering, often low over the water. The bright yellow-green wing patches are very noticeable during flight. They tend to fly short distances.

Migration pattern

Generally resident throughout its range, but some local movements may occur in response to water level changes or food availability.

Territoriality

Females are highly territorial, defending large territories against other females. Males defend smaller nesting territories within the female's larger territory.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, often coinciding with the rainy season or periods of abundant water and food. Can breed year-round in some tropical areas.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically flimsy platforms of floating vegetation, often anchored to emergent plants. Built by the male. Nests are usually well-hidden among dense aquatic plants.

Clutch size

Usually 4 eggs.

Egg description

Typically 4 eggs, glossy, pear-shaped, dark brown to black, heavily marked with irregular black squiggles and lines, resembling dried mud or debris.

Incubation period

Approximately 22-28 days, performed exclusively by the male.

Fledging period

Chicks are precocial, able to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching. They remain with the male for several weeks, often hiding under his wings (brooding) when threatened. They can fly within 4-6 weeks.

Parental care

Polyandrous breeding system where the female lays clutches for multiple males, and each male incubates the eggs and raises the chicks independently. The female defends the territory and may lay up to 10 clutches in a single breeding season.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan Floating Vegetation. Focus your binoculars on areas with dense water lilies or other floating plants, as this is where they spend most of their time foraging.
2. Look for Movement. Their constant movement as they pick insects from the vegetation often gives them away. They can be surprisingly well-camouflaged despite their bright colors.
3. Listen for Calls. Their distinctive calls can often lead you to their location, especially if they are hidden in dense vegetation.
4. Observe Parental Care. During breeding season, look for males with chicks, which are often seen hiding under the male's wings.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Wattled Jacana

Scientific Name:

Jacana jacana

Family:

Jacanidae

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Habitat:

Freshwater wetlands with floating vegetation

Diet:

Insects, invertebrates, seeds

Unique Feature:

Extremely long toes and red frontal shield

Breeding System:

Polyandrous (female mates with multiple males, males incubate)

Fun facts

• Wattled Jacanas are famous for their 'walking on water' ability, thanks to their incredibly long toes and claws that distribute their weight over floating vegetation.
• They exhibit a rare breeding system called polyandry, where a single female mates with multiple males, and each male is responsible for incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
• Male jacanas are exceptional fathers, often carrying their chicks under their wings to protect them from predators or move them to safety.
• The eggs of the Wattled Jacana are uniquely marked with black squiggles, making them resemble dried mud or debris, providing camouflage in their floating nests.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Charadriiformes

Family

Jacanidae

Genus

Jacana

Species

Jacana jacana

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