The Jacana are a group of tropical waders, sometimes known as lily trotters or "Jesus birds". Their toes are extremely long and enable them to step neatly across floating vegetation, essentially giving the apperance of walking on water. Eight species currently exist and they are spread across the tropics. This fine individual is an African Jacana. Females are larger than males. She will mate with multiple partners, leaving them to hatch the eggs and raise the chicks, a highly unusual occurance. The father has develoepd the ability to pick up the and carry the chicks beneath his wings, allowing him to transport them across the pond.
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