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Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source ↗
African Jacana
Grootlangtoon · Actophilornis africanus
Known as the 'lily-trotter', the African Jacana has incredibly long toes that spread its weight so it can walk right across floating lily pads without sinking. It has a chestnut body, white-and-black neck and a pale blue shield on its forehead. In a surprising twist, the father, not the mother, looks after the eggs and chicks.
Log your African Jacana sighting — free →How to identify it
Look for the very long toes and a bright pale-blue forehead shield on a chestnut waterbird walking on lily pads.
Listen for its call
A loud, ringing 'krrrek' and rasping, scolding notes as it skips over lily pads.
Where to see it in Kruger
Look on lily-covered pans and dams and quiet river backwaters throughout the park.
Did you know
Its toes are so long it can stroll across floating leaves, earning it the nickname 'Jesus bird'!
Often confused with
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