Species Profile
African Jacana
Actophilornis africanus
African Jacana
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–10 years
Length
23–31 cm
Weight
115–270 g
Wingspan
50–58 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Lily-trotter, Jesus Bird
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Appearance
The African Jacana is a striking wader with chestnut-brown upperparts, black neck and head, and white cheeks. Its most distinctive features are its disproportionately long toes and claws, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation. The bird also has a bright blue frontal shield and beak.
Females are noticeably larger and more brightly coloured than males, with heavier bodies and longer wings. Juveniles have a white belly and throat, brown upperparts and a less prominent frontal shield.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Blue
- Legs
- Blue
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
African Jacanas inhabit freshwater wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and the edges of lakes and slow-moving rivers across sub-Saharan Africa. They prefer areas with abundant floating vegetation, particularly water lilies, which provide foraging grounds and nesting sites.
While primarily resident, these birds may make local movements in response to changing water levels and habitat conditions. They are absent from arid regions and dense forests but can be found in suitable wetland habitats from Senegal to Sudan and south to South Africa.
Distribution
Diet
African Jacanas are omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects, molluscs, and small crustaceans found on or near the water's surface. They use their long toes to turn over floating vegetation, searching for prey. Occasionally, they may also consume seeds and aquatic plants.
Whilst they can swim, they prefer to walk in search of their food, although they are also able to catch flying insects and have been seen to pick insects from the backs of buffalo and hippopotami.
Behaviour
African Jacanas are known for their unique 'lily-trotting' behaviour, using their long toes to distribute their weight while walking on floating vegetation.
They are polyandrous, with females maintaining territories and mating with multiple males. These birds are often seen foraging in small groups, probing the water and vegetation for food.
Calls & Sounds
African jacanas are very vocal birds using a selection of raucous shrieks, moans and almost barking noises. They have a distinctive vocalisation, often described as a loud, harsh 'krrek-krrek' or 'kik-kik-kik'.
They may produce a more rapid series of calls during territorial disputes or when alarmed. Softer contact calls are used between parents and chicks.
Nesting & Breeding
African Jacanas exhibit a polyandrous breeding system, where females compete for territories and mate with multiple males. The breeding season varies by region but often coincides with the rainy season when wetland habitats are most productive.
Males construct floating nests using aquatic vegetation, typically hidden among water lilies or other floating plants. Females lay clutches of 3-4 eggs, which are brown with black markings, camouflaging well against the nest material.
Incubation, performed solely by the male, lasts about 22-28 days. The precocial chicks can swim and dive shortly after hatching but remain under the care of the male for several weeks until they can fly, typically at around 35-40 days old.
Conservation
While the African Jacana is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and degradation.
Wetland conservation efforts across Africa are crucial for maintaining healthy populations of this and other water-dependent species.
Elevation
Up to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- African Jacanas face predation from various sources, including birds of prey, crocodiles, and large fish. Their chicks are particularly vulnerable to predators such as herons and monitor lizards.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for African Jacanas in shallow, vegetated wetlands and along lake edges.
- Listen for their distinctive 'krrek-krrek' call, which can help locate them in dense vegetation.
- Observe their unique walking behaviour on lily pads and other floating plants.
- Use binoculars to spot their bright blue frontal shield and beak, which are key identification features.
Did You Know?
- African Jacanas can carry their chicks under their wings while flying to safety.
- Their toes can be up to 50% longer than their body, allowing them to distribute their weight over a large area.
- Female African Jacanas are polyandrous and can mate with up to four males in a single breeding season.
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