Jacanas - Group Overview

Jacanas are distinctive wetland birds belonging to the family Jacanidae, best known for their exceptionally long toes and claws that allow them to walk effortlessly across floating vegetation. They are often seen moving over water lilies, lotus leaves, and other aquatic plants in shallow freshwater wetlands.

These birds inhabit lakes, marshes, ponds, floodplains, and slow-moving rivers, where they forage for insects, molluscs, and other small aquatic invertebrates. Their lightweight bodies and specialised feet enable them to exploit habitats that are inaccessible to most other birds.

In the Indian subcontinent, jacanas are familiar residents of lowland wetlands and agricultural landscapes with standing water. Their behaviour includes territorial defence, courtship displays, and cooperative breeding systems in which females may mate with multiple males.


Photographs in this section showcase jacanas in natural wetland environments, highlighting behaviour such as walking on floating vegetation, foraging, courtship interactions, and flight. All images are documented with accurate species identification and location details wherever available.


Licensing & Prints

High-resolution photographs of jacanas are available for editorial licensing, commercial use, and fine-art prints. Explore the complete collection here:
View Jacanas Collection

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