African Jacana
Actophilornis africanus
Lily pans. Rufous-bodied waterbird with long legs and toes; head and neck black above, white below.
Jacanas
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. Adult unmistakable with exceptionally long toes, chestnut body and blue frontal shield and bill. Immature has a black stripe through the eye and black crown; cf. [Lesser Jacana]. The call, uttered while standing or flying, is ‘kyowrrr’. Individuals or scattered groups walk on floating vegetation on lily-covered pans, dams and river backwaters. Frequently chases others in short dashes or in low flight while calling loudly.
Quick Facts
Size
40 cm - M
Names
A: Grootlangtoon
Z: uNondwayizomkhulu
Ss: Mohatsakwena E Moholo
G: Blaustirn-Blatthühnchen, Jacana
Bird Family
Distinctive waterbirds with long legs and very long toes, perfectly evolved for walking on floating or semi submerged vegetation. Always found in freshwater habitats such as lagoons, slow flowing rivers and pans, especially those with waterlillies. Both species are highly nomadic according to abundance of water and seasonal flooding. Diet consists mainly of aquatic insects and small crustaceans.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
