jacana

Short definition: The word jacana means a tropical wading bird with extremely long toes, allowing it to walk on floating vegetation, commonly found on ponds and lakes, and known for unusual breeding roles where females defend territories.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word jacana? The word jacana is mainly used in birdwatching, wildlife studies, and nature writing. It refers to a distinctive tropical water bird famous for its extremely long toes that allow it to walk on floating plants. You will hear it in discussions about wetlands, lakes, and freshwater ecosystems. Although not common in daily conversation, it appears often in field guides and documentaries. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and informative.

Forms: jacana, jacanas
Related: waterbird n., wetland n., lily pad n.
Syllable: ja-ca-na

1. (Noun) A tropical water bird with very long toes that allow it to walk across floating vegetation.

   A jacana is a small to medium sized freshwater bird found in tropical regions, easily recognized by its extremely long toes and claws which spread its weight and let it walk on floating plants like lily pads while searching for insects and other small food.

   The jacana appeared to walk on water as it stepped lightly across lily pads using its long toes to balance effortlessly.
   Photographers waited patiently to capture a jacana moving through the wetland without sinking the floating plants beneath it.
   Jacanas are often seen in calm shallow lakes where floating vegetation covers the surface.

   Synonyms: water bird, wetland bird, lily pad walker, freshwater wader, tropical shorebird, floating vegetation bird, long toed bird, marsh bird, aquatic feeder, pond bird, water walker, wetland species
   Antonyms: forest bird, tree dwelling bird, coastal seabird, flightless bird, inland dry land bird, raptor, open ocean bird, desert bird, urban bird, ground running bird, woodland species, non aquatic bird

2. (Noun) A bird known for unusual breeding behavior where females are dominant.

   Jacanas are also known for their uncommon breeding system in which females are larger more aggressive and mate with multiple males while the males take on most of the nesting and chick rearing duties.

   Scientists often mention the jacana when explaining rare mating systems found in the animal world.
   In jacana species the male carefully guards the nest and carries the chicks under his wings.
   The jacana challenges common assumptions about gender roles in birds.

   Synonyms: polyandrous bird, role reversed species, unusual breeding bird, dominant female species, caregiving male bird, behavioral study example, mating system example, reproductive role reversal, evolutionary case study, nesting male species, biological curiosity, research species
   Antonyms: typical breeding bird, male dominant species, conventional mating system, standard nesting roles, traditional bird behavior, monogamous species, equal role breeders, common bird pattern, normal reproductive system, typical wildlife behavior, standard species, usual bird roles