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The Enchanting Acrobat: Unveiling the Wattled Jacana

Welcome back, nature enthusiasts, to our Costa Rican birding blog! Today, we venture into the verdant world of wetlands and floating vegetation to meet a captivating creature – the Wattled Jacana.

A Master of the Marsh

The Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) is a wading bird, a resident gracing the freshwater wetlands of Costa Rica, primarily on the Caribbean slope. These stunning birds are widespread throughout much of South America east of the Andes, western Panama, and Trinidad. But here, amidst the lush rainforests and crystal-clear waterways, they add a touch of the extraordinary to the Costa Rican birding experience.

Built for Balance

One of the most striking features of the Wattled Jacana is its incredibly long toes. These toes, along with sharp claws, act as stilts, allowing the Jacana to effortlessly navigate the dense aquatic vegetation like lily pads. Nicknamed the “lily trotter” for this remarkable ability, the Jacana distributes its weight perfectly, appearing to walk on water with an air of graceful confidence.

A Looker with a Flare

The Wattled Jacana is a visual treat. Adults boast a plumage of contrasting colors. Their bodies are predominantly black and brown, with splashes of yellow on the wings. But the true stars of the show are the head adornments. A bright red forehead, complemented by vibrant red wattles hanging down on either side of the yellow bill, makes the Jacana an unforgettable sight. Juveniles, on the other hand, are a study in contrasting browns and whites, with a distinctive white stripe above the eye.

A Role Reversal in the Nest

The Wattled Jacana presents a fascinating twist on traditional gender roles in the avian world. Here, the females are the larger and more dominant sex. They can grow up to 23 inches (58 cm) in length, while the males are slightly smaller. The females form harems of up to four or five males, with the males taking on the responsibility of incubation and chick rearing. The males diligently care for the eggs, even carrying them under their wings to a new location if the nest is disturbed.

A Symphony of Clicks

The Wattled Jacana is not shy about making its presence known. They possess a diverse vocal repertoire, including loud, sharp clicks that sound remarkably like castanets. This clicking sound, often described as a “tek-tek,” is their signature call, echoing across the wetlands and adding to the vibrant soundscape of the Costa Rican wilderness.

Spotting the Wonder

If you’re looking to add the Wattled Jacana to your Costa Rican birding list, keep your eyes peeled near freshwater marshes, ponds, rivers, and even rice paddies. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, you might just spot this captivating acrobat gracefully navigating the aquatic vegetation, its long toes leaving delicate imprints on the water’s surface.

So, the next time you’re exploring the wetlands of Costa Rica, listen for the rhythmic clicks and watch for a flash of red and black amidst the lily pads. You might just be lucky enough to encounter the enchanting Wattled Jacana, a true marvel of the avian world.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)