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Jacana, Pheasant-tailed

  


Name: Jacana, Pheasant-tailed

Scientific name: Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Type: Crake

Color: Brown,White

Habitat: Water

Size: 31-48cm




Conservation status:

Vagrant


Description:

Rail-like and mostly seen walking on floating vegetation on very long toes. Adult breeding has long black down-curved tail, chocolate-brown body, striking head marks with white face and fore-neck, golden-yellow hindneck, edged black; white wings with black tips are very conspicuous in flight. In non-breeding plumage tail is short, underparts turn white, but a dark breastband remains, running up the neck and joining the eye-stripe. Juvenile resembles adult non-breeding but breast band flecked white, and head and neck pattern are duller. Low, rapid flight with dangling legs, and landing with raised wings.