The African jacana looks like it’s performing a magic trick—gliding across the top of ponds and wetlands without sinking. But it’s not magic—it’s all thanks to its extra-long toes and wide feet, which spread its weight and let it walk on lily pads, reeds, and floating vegetation.
This small bird lives in freshwater wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa and is easy to spot thanks to its chestnut-colored body, white face, black crown, and striking blue beak. Its legs and toes are pale gray and impressively long—longer than the bird’s entire body in some cases!
Jacanas are sometimes nicknamed “lily-trotters” or “Jesus birds” because of how they walk on top of floating plants like it’s solid ground. This helps them hunt for insects, snails, and tiny water creatures without getting wet.
But the jacana’s talents don’t stop at walking on water—they also have a surprising parenting twist. In jacana families, it’s the male who does most of the babysitting! The female lays the eggs and then moves on, while the male takes care of the nest and chicks, carrying them under his wings when danger approaches.
African jacanas are rarely seen in traditional bird feeders or perches—they live in wet, marshy areas and are expert swimmers and walkers, but not strong fliers. In zoos, they’re often found in aviaries with tropical wetland themes.
