African Jacana

Actophilornis africanus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Charadriiformes · Jacanidae

About

The African jacana is a wader in the family Jacanidae. It has long toes and long claws that enables it to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes, its preferred habitat. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. For the origin and pronunciation of the name, see Jacanidae.

Fun Fact

Alongside the similarly-sized Madagascar jacana, this appears to be the heaviest jacana species.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Restricted to Ethiopia in 1915.

Diet

Feed on insects and other invertebrates picked from the floating vegetations or the surface of the water.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

Habitat Change
Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

More Birds Species

Abbott's Booby EN African Penguin CR Alagoas Tyrannulet CR Aldabra Fody EN Algerian Nuthatch EN Amani Sunbird EN

Browse all Birds →