WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)

  • Height: 17 – 23 cm
  • Weight: 136 – 255 gr
  • Best season: All year
  • Sightings: 99%

The wattled jacana (Jacana jacana) is a striking water bird found in tropical regions of South and Central America, particularly around lakes, marshes, and wetlands. Known for its brightly colored wattle (fleshy extensions hanging from its face) and long, slender legs, the wattled jacana is an excellent swimmer and walker, often seen walking on floating vegetation. Its unique lobed toes help it move easily across water plants without sinking.

The wattled jacana is an omnivorous bird, feeding on insects, seeds, fruits, and small aquatic animals. It is also known for its polygamous mating system, where a single female may mate with several males. This bird faces some threats due to habitat destruction but is currently classified as of Least Concern.

Jacana Jacana is one of the most common shore bird that we can spot in the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Comunal Reserve

Ecological Role of the Wattled Jacana

As omnivores, wattled jacanas feed on a variety of insects, seeds, and small aquatic animals, helping control insect populations and contributing to seed dispersal in wetland ecosystems.

Aquatic Plant Maintenance

By walking on floating vegetation, they help prevent overgrowth of certain aquatic plants, maintaining the balance of wetland habitats.

Prey for Predators

Wattled jacanas serve as prey for larger birds of prey and mammalian predators, forming an important part of the food web in their wetland environments.