African Jacana

The African Jacana, a rare bird species, lives in a variety of wetland environments throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. This bird, which goes by the moniker “lily-trotter,” is distinguished by its unique look and behavior. It can walk on floating flora thanks to its long legs and toes. Its brilliant yellow beak contrasts with its otherwise dark plumage and black head and neck. With a length of around 30 cm, the African Jacana is a medium-sized bird.

Breeding behavior is one of the most interesting features of the African Jacana. The female African Jacana leads the wooing and mating rituals, in contrast to many other bird species. Having marked out territory, she draws many men who vie for her attention. Using reeds and other plant materials, the selected male constructs a nest above floating plants. One or more men may mate with the female, and it is the males’ duty to incubate the eggs and tend to the hatchlings.