Jacana spinosa
The Northern Jacana, *Jacana spinosa*, is a striking and distinctive medium-sized shorebird renowned for its extraordinary adaptations to wetland life. Measuring 17-23 cm (6.7-9.1 in) in length with a wingspan of 40-50 cm (16-20 in) and weighing 75-150 g (2.6-5.3 oz), adults boast a rich chestnut body, black head and neck, a bright white supercilium, and a vivid yellow bill capped with a prominent red frontal shield and wattle. Its most unique feature is its exceptionally long toes and claws,...
Found exclusively in shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, particularly those with abundant floating vegetation like water lilies and pondweeds. Primarily inhabits lowlands, rarely found above 500 meters elevation.
Feeds primarily on a diverse range of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from the surface of floating vegetation or water. Also consumes some seeds and small fish fry.
Northern Jacanas are diurnal birds, spending their days meticulously foraging on floating vegetation. Their famous 'lily-trotting' strategy involves walking directly on water lily pads and other floating plants, using their elongated toes to distribute their weight. Females are polyandrous, defen...
The Northern Jacana's primary range extends from southern Texas, through much of Central America, and into the Caribbean, including Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. They are residents throughout this extensive distribution, rarely undertaking long-distance migrations, though local dispersal and mov...
Least Concern
- The Northern Jacana is often called the 'Jesus bird' or 'lily-trotter' due to its unique ability to walk directly across floating water lily pads. - This species exhibits a rare polyandrous mating system where a single female mates with multiple males, who then incubate her clutches of eggs and...