The light-bodied jacana, supported by its spider-like, widely extended
feet, treads over the floating pan-like leaves of the Victoria Regia,
and other aquatic plants, without sinking them in any perceptible degree
below the surface of the calm pools in which they float. They take up
their dwelling on the borders of the remote lakes and igarapes of the
Amazonian Valley.
They are called by the natives oven-birds, because frequently seen on
the pan-shaped leaves of the before-mentioned magnificent lily.
The common jacana has a black plumage, with a greenish gloss. The legs
are very long and slight,--as are the toes and claws, especially that of
the hind-toe, which is nearly straight. The body is about ten inches
long; and the beak upwards of an inch, and of an orange colour.
The jacana feeds on aquatic insects and vegetable matter. While feeding
it utters a low-sounding cluck, cluck, at short intervals. When flying
it throws out its long legs horizontally to their full length, generally
skimming above the surface, out of danger.
Its body is of a peculiarly light construction, so that, large as it
appears, it weighs but little when pressing the floating leaves, on
which it delights to walk in search of its prey.