Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 6



The Jacanas are wading birds, somewhat analagous, both in structure and habits, to the European water-hen; but in their native haunts, from not being disturbed, they are less shy. The number of these birds on the lakes of Brazil, the elegance of their movements, and their fearlessness of man, excite an interest in the traveller who journeys through regions, ornamented alone by Nature.

Most of the Jacanas inhabit South America—a few occur in India; and this, as its name implies, is found in Africa. The typical species have the wings armed with a strong and very acute bony spur; but in P. Africana, this is so small, as not to be perceived when the wing is closed.—Bruce mentions this bird by the name of Meylie, as inhabiting Abyssinia; and Mr. Salt found it at Mozambique. Our specimen was received from Western Africa, by Mr. Ward, Animal Preserver, Broad Street, Golden Square.

The peculiar structure of the feet of these birds is highly singular, but their particular use has not, we believe, been explained. The Jacanas are very light birds; and their long toes, spreading over a wide surface, enable them to walk on the floating leaves of aquatic plants, with as much facility as if they were on land. In such situations their appearance is really delusive; for their pressure being sufficient to sink the supporting leaf just below the surface, the birds actually appear to walk upon the water.

Total length, ab. 10½; bill, 1$2/10$; wings, 5$2/10$; tarsi, 2$2/10$; hind toe and claw, 5$1/10$.