African Jacana

African Jacana

Actophilornis africanus

Least Concern
Wingspan
31.2 cm
Weight
199.0 g
Family
Jacanidae
Order
Charadriiformes

About

African Jacana: 23–31 cm, familiar Sub-Saharan jacana with rich chestnut body, white-and-black neck, vivid blue frontal shield, and extraordinarily long toes enabling walking on lily pads. Inhabits freshwater wetlands across Sub-Saharan Africa. Highly polyandrous; males incubate and carry chicks under wings. Invertebrate and seed feeder.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 31.2 cm 12.3 in
Weight 199.0 g 7.02 oz

Habitat & Range

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: NO,PL. Incubation: 20-26 days. Fledging: 40-70 days.

Clutch Size

4

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls)
Family Jacanidae
Genus Actophilornis
Species Actophilornis africanus

Distribution

African Jacana has been recorded in 2 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the African Jacana endangered?
The African Jacana has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the African Jacana nest?
Nest type: NO,PL. Incubation: 20-26 days. Fledging: 40-70 days.
How big is the African Jacana?
The African Jacana has a wingspan of 31.2 cm, weight of 199.0 g.
What order and family does the African Jacana belong to?
The African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) belongs to the order Charadriiformes and the family Jacanidae.

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