Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Jacana
Let us learn about the wetland birds that have peculiarly large toes that let them dwell on the water-submerged vegetation.
Common name- Jacana / Lily trotter
Scientific name- Jacanidae
Size- 23cm -31 cm
There is a total of 8 species of Jacana in the world.
Distribution and Habitat
The countries like Asia, Africa, Australia, and America that consist of floating vegetation on wetlands like lakes, marshes or swamps, invite the Jacana Birds.
The submerged, floating vegetation habitats on the water body help Jacana to Feed themselves, built nests and hide from predators.
Description of Jacana Bird.
Jacana has a long neck and long legs with long toes that help in walking on the floating vegetation. Jacana has short tails.
The colouration of the plumage is different in different species of Jacana.
Female Jacana is larger than male Jacana.
Diet
Jacana is an Omnivore bird that feeds upon the floating vegetation as well as the fauna that dwells upon the floating vegetation.
Insects, Molluscs, Crustaceans, seeds of Water lily, etc.
Breeding of Polyandrous Females and Paternal Care.
Females maintain the Territory.
Females Jacanas are Polyandrous, that mate with multiple males, who can take care of their egg clutch. Before that, she forms and maintains the Harem of Males, the males who are eligible for mating.
Her only motto, for this, is the survival of clutch.
Nests of Jacana are made up of Plant material, and 3 eggs are laid.
Now comes the responsibility of Male Jacana to Incubate and feed the hatchlings.
The Male Jacana carry the hatchlings between their wings.
Jacana chicks have brown and white down (primary) feathers. They moult into an adult in 2 months.
Predators of Jacana are Others, Turtles, Snakes or even Crocodiles.
Also See ⇒ Grey Heron Facts