AFRICAN JACANA Meaning and
Definition
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The African jacana is a medium-sized bird species that belongs to the family Jacanidae and the genus Actophilornis. It is commonly found in the freshwater wetlands and marshes of sub-Saharan Africa. This species is also known by several other names, including lily-trotter and lily-pad walker, which reflect its unique physical characteristics and behavior.
The African jacana's most distinctive feature is its long, spindly legs and incredibly long toes, which are adapted for walking on aquatic vegetation and lily pads without sinking. This adaptation allows them to forage for insects, mollusks, and other small invertebrates in the water without submerging themselves fully. They also use their long toes to create stable footholds and platform-like nests in the floating vegetation.
In terms of appearance, the African jacana has a brown or grayish plumage with white undersides. Their heads and necks are often black or dark brown, and they have a small black crest on the back of their heads. Their bills are relatively long and curved, ideal for catching their prey in the water.
These birds are known for their polyandrous mating system, where females mate with several males who then take care of the nesting duties and raising the chicks. This behavior is relatively rare among birds and makes the African jacana an interesting species to study from a behavioral standpoint.
Overall, the African jacana is an intriguing waterbird that stands out for its unique adaptations, behavior, and appearance.
Etymology of AFRICAN JACANA
The word "jacana" comes from the Portuguese word "jaçanã", which in turn is derived from the Tupi word "ya-çá-nandá". Tupi is an indigenous language of Brazil. "Jaçanã" was used to refer to a bird with long legs and toes, specifically the jacanas found in South America.
The term "African jacana" combines the adjective "African" with the noun "jacana". It is used to specify the particular species of jacanas found in Africa, which includes species like the African jacana (Actophilornis africanus) and the lesser jacana (Microparra capensis).
