Pheasant-tailed jacana

The pheasant-tailed jacana is a captivating bird distinguished in its family by its elongated toes and claws, which enable it to elegantly traverse floating vegetation in shallow lakes. This species is found across tropical Asia, from Yemen to the Philippines, and is renowned for its remarkable long-distance migrations and distinctive seasonal plumages.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the pheasant-tailed jacana is its unique breeding behavior. Females are larger than males and exhibit polyandry, laying multiple clutches of eggs that are each cared for by different males within their harem.

In terms of appearance, this bird showcases striking breeding plumage with elongated central tail feathers. Its body is a rich chocolate brown adorned with white and black markings, and its wings are predominantly white. During the non-breeding season, its feathers adopt a darker brown shade, and its overall coloration becomes more subdued. The bill also undergoes a transformation, turning bluish-black with a yellow tip during the breeding season and becoming a dull brown otherwise.

Taxonomically speaking, the pheasant-tailed jacana was first described by Pierre Sonnerat in 1776 and later classified under the genus Hydrophasianus by Johann Georg Wagler in 1832. These birds are primarily residents of tropical regions in India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia, although some populations do migrate seasonally.

Their diet primarily includes insects, mollusks, and other invertebrates found on floating vegetation or water surfaces. During the breeding season, females lay eggs that males then incubate. This process involves elaborate courtship displays, nest building on floating vegetation, and about 26 to 28 days of egg incubation. The chicks are born precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile at birth but remain vulnerable to predators.

Additionally, the pheasant-tailed jacana can host various parasites, including trematodes and bird lice, which adds another layer of complexity to its life.