Northern Jacana

Overview

Northern Jacana: Rail-like relative of plovers and shorebirds; is unique in having extremely long toes. Body is chestnut-brown with black head and neck, and flashy yellow-green flight feathers. Forehead has a fleshy orange-yellow frontal shield arising from base of bill. Weak mothlike flight.

Range and Habitat

Northern Jacana: Found from south Texas to Panama. Found in marshes, flooded fields, and slow-moving waters.

INTERESTING FACTS

In Jamaica this bird is also known as the 'Jesus bird', as it appears to walk on water. The Northern Jacana is very similar to the Wattled Jacana, with which it overlaps in Panama, and was formerly considered conspecific with that form. They are quarrelsome and often engage in combat with one another, using sharp spurs on the bend of the wing.