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Wattled Jacana
Jacana jacana | Linnaeus, 1766

PHOTO: Property of Native / Embrapa

Vocalization

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Characterization: Small to medium-size species measuring about 25cm in length. Adults have black heads, necks, chests, and backs, and the rest of their plumage is bright rufous, except for a big yellow light area in their wings, which is visible when they are open. Its beak is yellow with a red front shield at its base. Females are larger than males, and the young have white ventral parts, brown dorsal areas and a stripe above their eyes. 

Distribution: Most of Tropical America, including Brazil.

Habitat: Wetlands and lakes with aquatic vegetation.

Habits: A diurnal aquatic species, this bird strides over water hyacinth, floating ferns, and other floating plants.

Diet: Essentially carnivorous, it feeds on insects, mollusks, fish, and also on seeds.

Breeding: This bird lays 4 eggs in a nest built on lily pads.

In the UFRA area: This bird species was little frequent, as it was seen 6 times. Its distribution in the habitats was considered medium, as it was spotted in exotic woods, wetlands with herbaceous plants, wetlands with riparian forests, in drainage ditches, and in forests in spontaneous regeneration.