Bronze-winged Jacana

The Bronze-winged Jacana, Metopidius indicus, is a distinctive wader belonging to the family Jacanidae. It is the sole species within its genus, characterized by its rail-like appearance, large size, and short tail. The bird's plumage is predominantly dark with a striking white supercilium, and its wings exhibit a bronzy brown hue with a green sheen.

Identification Tips

Adult Bronze-winged Jacanas measure approximately 29 cm in length. Both sexes are similar, though females are marginally larger. They possess a black head, neck, and breast, contrasting with the white supercilium. The lower back and tail coverts are a rich chestnut, and the tail is short with a black terminal band. The bill is greenish-yellow with a red base on the upper mandible, and a reddish-purple frontal shield extends over the forehead. The legs are greenish, and the toes are notably long, aiding in their balance on floating vegetation.

Habitat

This species thrives in wetlands, often utilizing areas overrun by water hyacinth and other aquatic plants. They are adept at navigating through dense cover provided by species like Ipomoea aquatica.

Distribution

The Bronze-winged Jacana is found across South and Southeast Asia, predominantly in lowland regions. It is a resident bird, with movements largely influenced by seasonal changes in water levels.

Behaviour

These jacanas are typically seen alone or in pairs, gracefully moving across lily pads and other floating vegetation. They feed on insects, invertebrates, and incidental plant material. During the breeding season, males become territorial, engaging in displays and sometimes physical confrontations to defend their space. Females are polyandrous and maintain harems of males who are responsible for incubating the eggs and rearing the young.

Song & Calls

The call of the Bronze-winged Jacana is a distinctive wheezy piping "seek-seek-seek," often uttered when the bird is alarmed.

Breeding

Breeding coincides with the monsoon season, with males constructing nests on floating vegetation. The typical clutch size is four conical, glossy brown eggs with black markings. Males solely incubate the eggs, which hatch after approximately 29 days. Chicks are highly precocial but remain dependent on the male for protection and care for about ten weeks.

Similar Species

At a distance, adult Bronze-winged Jacanas can be mistaken for the Common Moorhen due to their habitat preference. Juveniles may be confused with young Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, but lack the black necklace characteristic of that species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates gleaned from the water's surface or from floating vegetation. Plant material is consumed incidentally.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Bronze-winged Jacana as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.