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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