African Jacana

How to identify the African jacana

Chestnut body, white face and foreneck, black crown and hind neck, and a pale blue bill and forehead shield. The toes and claws are extremely long.

Where to see the African jacana in Murchison Falls National Park

On floating vegetation along the river's edge and in the delta, on boat cruises.

Habitat

Still or slow water covered with water lilies and other floating vegetation.

What the African jacana eats

Insects and other small animals picked from floating plants and the water surface.

Behaviour

The female mates with several males; each male incubates the eggs and raises the chicks alone, carrying them under his wings when danger threatens.

Best time to see the African jacana

All year. Resident, here all year.