Want to know where and when to find African Jacana? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see African Jacana in South Africa
About the African Jacana
The African jacana is a distinctive wetland bird with exceptionally long toes and claws that allow it to walk across floating vegetation. It is associated with freshwater wetlands, lakes, dams and slow-moving waterways with abundant floating plants. Adults have chestnut and black plumage with a blue and yellow facial pattern. It feeds mainly on aquatic insects and other small invertebrates picked from vegetation and the water surface. African jacanas are unusual among birds because males take primary responsibility for incubating eggs and caring for chicks.
How to identify the African Jacana
Distinctive black-and-white waterbird with a long bill, long legs and exceptionally long toes. Adults have a chestnut-brown back and wings, black head and neck, white face and underparts, and long grey legs.
Did you know?
African Jacanas can walk across floating vegetation because their extraordinarily long toes spread their weight over a large area, allowing them to move across lily pads without sinking.
Also known as: Lelieloper, Afrika-lelieloper, Jacana
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for African Jacana, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.