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    Jacana

    Jacanas have long claws that help them distribute their weight, allowing them to walk on floating vegetation while carrying their babies

    The unusually long legs and claws make these birds popular and decipherable. A wide range of colorful plumage and frontal comb/shield helps to differentiate between species. The adult Wattled Jacana has a red forehead, yellow bill, and blackish body, while juveniles reflect a bronzy-brown plumage with whitish underparts.

    Northern Jacana has a yellow shield and bill with a black head, neck, and reddish-brown body. Like many other birds, Jacana has two legs, but you might catch it tip-toeing on water lilies with six or more legs. You’ll be surprised to know that these seeming legs belong to the chicks that hide under the parent’s feathers to take a ride or hide from danger.