About Actophilornis africanus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)
Scientific Naming and Distinctiveness
The African jacana, scientifically named Actophilornis africanus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789), is a conspicuous, easily identifiable bird.
Body Length
Its total body length ranges from 23 to 31 cm, or 9.1 to 12.2 inches.
Sexual Size Dimorphism
Like other jacana species, adult females are on average larger than adult males.
Weight Measurements
Males weigh between 115 and 224 g (4.1 to 7.9 oz), with an average weight of 137 g (4.8 oz); females weigh between 167 and 290 g (5.9 to 10.2 oz), with an average weight of 261 g (9.2 oz).
Species Weight Ranking
Along with the similarly sized Madagascar jacana, the African jacana appears to be the heaviest jacana species.
Upperpart Coloration
Their upperparts are chestnut, with black markings on the wingtips, rear neck, and eyestripe.
Underpart Coloration by Age
Adult African jacanas also have chestnut underparts, while juvenile birds have white underparts with only a chestnut patch on the belly.
Bill, Head Shield, and Limb Appearance
Their blue bill extends upward to form a coot-like head shield, and their legs and long toes are grey.
Feeding Behavior
African jacanas feed by picking insects and other invertebrates from floating vegetation or the surface of the water.
