African Jacana
My favourite fun fact
The African Jacana turns normal bird family life upside down. The female is larger and more colourful than the male - very unusual for birds, and after laying her eggs she leaves the males to incubate the eggs and raise the chicks on his own.
Scientific name
Actophilornis africanus
Afrikaans name
Lelkiewiet
Description
A striking wetland bird with a chestnut-brown body, white face and throat, black crown and back, and exceptionally long toes. These oversized feet allow it to walk effortlessly across floating lily pads and aquatic vegetation.
Habitat
Found in freshwater wetlands, marshes, dams, floodplains and slow-moving rivers throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly where floating vegetation is abundant.
Interesting behaviour
African Jacanas are often called "lily trotters" because they appear to walk on water. Their incredibly long toes spread their weight so effectively that they can walk across floating lily pads that would sink beneath most other birds.
