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Habitat and Habitat Utilization
Photo courtesy of Steve Sosensky
Jacanas are shorebirds that inhabit the wetlands of the world. There are species of Jacana in Africa, southern Asia, Pacific Islands, Australia, Mexico, and Central and South America ( www.sandiegozoo.org). There are 8 species of the Jacana: Jacana spinosa (Northern Jacana), Jacana jacana (Wattled Jacana), Actophilornis albinucha (Malagasy Jacana), Actophilornis africanus (African Jacana), Microparra capensis (Lesser Jacana), Hydrophasianus chirurgus (Pheasant-tailed Jacana), Irediparra gallinacea (Comb-crested Jacana), and Metopidius indicus (Bronze-winged Jacana). Jacanas are often distinguished by their long legs. Jacanas also have huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the wetlands that they inhabit (freshwater ponds, lakes, swamps, and lagoons) (www.jacana.org.uk). Jacanas can swim and fly, but rarely do either. Most jacanas are seen walking or running. This website focuses almost exclusively on the Jacana spinosa (Northern Jacana), particularly the social spacing and mating behavior of the Northern Jacana. Mention of the Jacana in the remainder of the web site should be associated with the Northern Jacana, unless otherwise stated. For more information on other Jacana species visit www.jacana.org.uk.
Photo courtesy of Steve Sosensky
This web page was created byTiffany Major for an undergraduate course at Davidson College.
Please contact Dr. Verna Case via email if you have any questions or comments, Dr. Case's email.