African Jacana vs Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Actophilornis africanus compared with Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Jacana Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Scientific Name Actophilornis africanus Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Jacanidae Jacanidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 31.2 cm (12.3 in) 38.9 cm (15.3 in)
Weight 199.0 g (7.02 oz) 175.75 g (6.20 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 4 4
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Jacana only

None

Pheasant-tailed Jacana only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Jacana

Least Concern

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

About These Birds

African Jacana

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.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Pheasant-tailed Jacana: 39–58 cm including tail. Spectacular freshwater jacana with breeding plumage featuring an extremely long curved tail, white wings, and golden-yellow hindneck. Inhabits floating vegetation on ponds and lakes from India to southeastern China and Southeast Asia; partially migratory. Polyandrous. Invertebrate and seed feeder.

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