Bird Guide

Comb-crested Jacana

Irediparra gallinacea

Least ConcernInvertebratesWetlandPlatform nestMedium · 99 g

About the Comb-crested Jacana

The comb-crested jacana, also known as the lotusbird or lilytrotter, is the only species of jacana in the genus Irediparra. Like other jacana species, it is adapted to the floating vegetation of tropical freshwater wetlands.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

This species is unmistakable. It has a black crown and hindneck with a fleshy red wattle covering the forehead and forecrown, contrasting with a white face and throat. The comb is pinker in breeding adults, more orange when not breeding. There is a broad black band on the lower breast with white belly. The underwing and flight feathers, which show most prominently in flight, are black. Back and upperwing mainly grey-brown with black primary coverts, rump and tail. The long legs with extremely long toes trail in flight. The male is slightly smaller than the female and measures 20–22 cm (7.9–8. Voice: This species gives a squeaky, high-pitched chittering, also described as a shrill trill with an explosive soft bugle.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Comb-crested Jacana lives

Regular range

When to see the Comb-crested Jacana

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Comb-crested Jacana in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.