Northern Jacana

The Northern Jacana, Jacana spinosa, is a striking wader with a dark brown body, a black head and neck, and distinctive yellow patches on its bill. A yellow wattle adorns its forehead, and its bill is white at the base. When in flight, the bird reveals yellowish-green primary and secondary feathers, along with yellow bony spurs on the wing edges, used for defense. The greenish hue of the wing feathers is due to a rare avian pigment called zooprasinin. Adult females are notably larger than males, with the former averaging 145.4 grams and the latter 86.9 grams. The species measures approximately 241 mm in length and boasts a wingspan of around 508 mm. Juvenile jacanas are adorned with a white supercilium and lores, and their downy plumage displays a mosaic of orange, browns, black, and white. As they mature, their plumage transitions to gray with brownish upper parts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Northern Jacana, look for its large feet and claws, which are well-adapted for traversing floating vegetation. The bird's greenish wing feathers and yellow wattle are also key characteristics. Juveniles can be recognized by their white facial markings and variegated down.

Habitat

This species thrives on floating vegetation found in swamps, marshes, and ponds, predominantly in coastal regions.

Distribution

The Northern Jacana's range extends from coastal Mexico to western Panama, including parts of the Caribbean such as Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. It is occasionally found breeding in Texas, USA, and has been recorded as a vagrant in Arizona.

Behaviour

The Northern Jacana is polyandrous, with females overseeing territories that include the domains of one to four males. These birds maintain year-round pair bonds, and relationships persist until one partner is replaced. The species is capable of breeding continuously, provided water levels remain stable.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Northern Jacana includes "clustered-note calls" used during territorial defense and when eggs or chicks are threatened. The urgency of the situation influences the pattern and notes of the calls. Vocalizations also occur during flight, when a female is absent from the territory for extended periods, or when a male is searching for a missing chick.

Breeding

Males construct floating nests from plant matter, and females lay clutches of four brown eggs with black markings. The male incubates the eggs for 28 days, and chicks are able to swim, dive, and feed shortly after hatching. The male broods the chicks for several weeks, with the female occasionally assisting. Females provide new clutches when the chicks reach 12-16 weeks of age.

Similar Species

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Diet and Feeding

The Northern Jacana's diet includes insects, ovules of water lilies, snails, worms, small crabs, fish, mollusks, and seeds. It competes with other birds, such as the sora, that share a similar diet.

Conservation status

The Northern Jacana is currently classified as Least Concern, but it could become vulnerable due to the potential loss of wetland habitats.