Comb-crested Jacana

The comb-crested jacana, also known as the lotusbird or lilytrotter, is a singular species within the genus Irediparra. It is a distinctive bird, easily recognized by its black crown and hindneck, and a prominent fleshy red wattle that adorns the forehead and forecrown. The face and throat are a stark white, providing a striking contrast. During the breeding season, the comb takes on a pinker hue, while outside of breeding, it appears more orange.

Identification Tips

Adult comb-crested jacanas exhibit a broad black band across the lower breast, with a white belly beneath. Their back and upperwing are primarily grey-brown, with black primary coverts, rump, and tail. In flight, the black underwing and flight feathers become quite visible. The species is also noted for its long legs and extremely long toes, which trail behind during flight. Males are slightly smaller, measuring 20–22 cm in length and weighing 68–84 g, while females are larger at 24–27 cm and 120–150 g. Their wingspan ranges from 39 to 46 cm.

Habitat

This bird is adapted to tropical freshwater wetlands, favoring large swamps and lakes with an abundance of floating vegetation such as water-lilies or water hyacinth.

Distribution

The comb-crested jacana's range includes south-eastern Borneo, the southern Philippines, Sulawesi, Moluccas, Lesser Sunda Islands, north and south-east New Guinea, New Britain, and northern and eastern Australia.

Behaviour

The comb-crested jacana moves with a slow, deliberate gait and is often seen in flocks. When startled, it prefers to fly low over the water, landing again on open vegetation.

Breeding

This species is polyandrous, with females laying four lustrous, pale brown eggs marked with black on a flimsy nest built on floating or emergent vegetation. Remarkably, it is the male that takes on the role of incubating the eggs. The young are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching.

Feeding

The diet consists of seeds and aquatic insects, which the jacana deftly gleans from the floating vegetation on the water's surface.

Song & Calls

The comb-crested jacana is known for its squeaky, high-pitched chittering. It can also produce a shrill trill and an explosive, yet soft bugle.

Conservation Status

Currently, the comb-crested jacana is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not globally threatened at this time.