Bird
African Jacana
Actophilornis africanusAlso known as Lily-trotter, Lily Trotter
African jacanas are famous for their extraordinarily long toes, which distribute their body weight like snowshoes across floating water lilies. Females practice polyandry, taking multiple mates while smaller males handle all egg incubation and brood care. Their rich chestnut bodies, striking white necks, and bright sky-blue frontal shields make them unmistakable icons of sub-Saharan wetlands.
Wading BirdPolyandrousWetland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAquatic Insects, Freshwater Snails, Spiders
Predators
- African Fish Eagle
- Nile Crocodile
- Nile Monitor
ThreatsWetland drainage, invasive aquatic weeds, pollution, and climate drought
HabitatsShallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and lily-covered lagoons
Life span5–10 years
Classification
- OrderCharadriiformes
- FamilyJacanidae
- GenusActophilornis
- SpeciesActophilornis africanus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Scan the surfaces of water lily beds where their broad toes keep them afloat on delicate vegetation.
- Listen for Calls: Listen for loud, ringing yelps and harsh chattering notes during territorial displays.
- Chick Care: Watch for males tucking small chicks securely under their wings when danger approaches.
Predator Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative Derek Keats / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Family Member no rights reserved · cc0
Family Member (c) Weiting Liu, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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