About Jacana spinosa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Scientific Naming and Body Type
The northern jacana, scientifically named Jacana spinosa (Linnaeus, 1758), is a medium-sized wader with long legs and elongated toes.
Body Length
Its total body length ranges from 21.5 to 24 cm (8.5 to 9.4 inches).
Sexual Size Dimorphism
Females are noticeably larger than males: average breeding female weight is 161 g (5.7 oz), while average male weight is 91 g (3.2 oz).
Adult Body Coloration
This species has a chestnut-maroon body, paired with black coloring on the head, neck, and breast.
Bill and Forehead Shield Features
Both its bill and the fleshy shield at the base of its forehead are bright yellow; the upper mandible has a white base at its base.
Flight Visible Features
In flight, its yellowish-green primary and secondary wing feathers become visible, as well as yellow bony spurs along the leading edge of the wings.
Wing Spur Function
These spurs are used by the bird to defend itself and its offspring.
Newly Hatched Chick Plumage
Newly hatched jacana chicks are covered in down, with patterned plumage in orange, multiple shades of brown, black, and patches of white.
Older Chick Plumage
Older chicks are gray overall, with brownish coloration on their upper parts.
Juvenile Plumage Features
Juvenile northern jacanas have a white supercilium and white lores.
Geographic Range
The northern jacana’s main range extends from Mexico to Panama, though it occasionally travels into the southern United States; vagrant individuals have been recorded in locations including Arizona.
Habitat
It inhabits areas with floating vegetation in swamps, marshes, and ponds.
