Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Wattled Jacana

Scientific name: Jacana jacana


Wattled Jacana

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: JACANIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.09-30.11

Gestation: 22–28 jours

Births: 01.12-31.01


Habitat:
Marshes, lakes, ponds

Description:
The Wattled Jacana, or Jacana jacana, is a striking water bird known for its long legs and elongated toes, allowing it to walk effortlessly on water lilies and other floating plants. Native to the wetlands of South America, this bird features dark brown to black plumage with wings that have greenish sheen and a bright yellow bill topped with a red wattle. Jacanas are known for their polyandrous behavior, where the female mates with multiple males, each responsible for incubating the eggs. They primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates found on the water's surface. Their call is a sharp, piercing cry, often heard at dawn and dusk.

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the Wattled Jacana, choose the golden hours of morning or evening to benefit from soft light that highlights the sheen of its plumage. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture details without disturbing the bird. Be patient and discreet, as this bird can be suspicious. A tripod can be useful for stabilizing your camera and achieving sharp images. Carefully observe the bird's movements to anticipate its actions and capture unique moments.

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