African Jacana vs Northern Jacana

Actophilornis africanus compared with Jacana spinosa

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Jacana Northern Jacana
Scientific Name Actophilornis africanus Jacana spinosa
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Jacanidae Jacanidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 31.2 cm (12.3 in) 25.6 cm (10.1 in)
Weight 199.0 g (7.02 oz) 110.725 g (3.91 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 4 4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Jacana only

None

Northern Jacana only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Jacana

Least Concern

Northern 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.

Northern Jacana

Northern Jacana: 19–23 cm, chestnut-and-black wader with brilliant yellow wing spurs and lobed frontal shield. Inhabits lily-pad-covered freshwater lakes and ponds from Mexico and Central America to Panama and the Greater Antilles. Polyandrous; males incubate and brood chicks. Walks on floating vegetation. Invertebrate and seed feeder.

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