Jacanas

Jacanas, also known as Jesus birds or lily trotters, dwell in tropical regions worldwide and are exceptional for their extended toes and toenails which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in search of food. These tropical waders are interestingly one of the few bird groups where the females are larger and often maintain harems of males, who are responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young. Jacanas are visually distinct with their sharp bills, rounded wings, and sometimes with ornamental features like wattles and spurs. Eight living species from six genera are recognized, with several prehistoric species known from fossils. While size differences between males and females are notable, with females being larger, both sexes share similar plumage. Jacanas typically lay camouflaged eggs on unstable nests amidst water plants, and their diet is mainly insectivorous, although some vegetation may be ingested incidentally. Their flight is generally slow and they are mostly non-migratory, except for the pheasant-tailed jacana that moves seasonally from northern regions to warmer areas such as India and Southeast Asia. When it comes to pronunciation, 'jacana' can be spoken in various ways, influenced by its Portuguese and Tupi roots, with different dictionaries suggesting multiple English equivalent pronunciations.