ML619386897

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

The Bronze-winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus) is a striking wading bird belonging to the family Jacanidae. Known for its remarkable ability to walk on floating vegetation, this bird is primarily found in South and Southeast Asia. Description The Bronze-winged Jacana is medium-sized, measuring about 29-31 cm (11-12 inches) in length. It is characterized by its long legs and elongated toes, which enable it to distribute its weight and walk on lily pads and other floating plants. The bird's plumage is predominantly dark, with a glossy bronze-green sheen on the wings, giving it its name. The face and throat are white, and the rest of the body is dark brown to black. One of the most distinguishing features is its bright yellow bill, which contrasts with its red frontal shield. The eyes are red, and the legs are a greenish hue. Habitat Bronze-winged Jacanas inhabit freshwater wetlands, including marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. They are typically found in areas with abundant floating vegetation such as water lilies and lotus plants, which provide both foraging grounds and nesting sites. These birds prefer shallow waters where they can easily walk on the vegetation and search for food. Behavior The Bronze-winged Jacana is known for its unique foraging behavior. It walks on floating vegetation, using its long toes to distribute its weight and prevent sinking. Its diet mainly consists of insects, larvae, and other invertebrates found on or near the water surface. It also feeds on seeds and other plant materials. These jacanas are territorial during the breeding season, with males establishing and defending their territories. Interestingly, the species exhibits a polyandrous mating system, where one female mates with multiple males. After mating, the female lays eggs in a nest built by the male on floating vegetation. The male then takes on the primary role of incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks after they hatch. The clutch usually consists of 4-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 22-26 days. The chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile shortly after hatching. Bronze-winged Jacanas are generally quiet birds, but they do make various calls during the breeding season and when alarmed. Their calls are often described as sharp and piercing. Conservation Status The Bronze-winged Jacana is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its population. However, the destruction of wetland habitats due to drainage, pollution, and agricultural expansion poses potential risks. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetland ecosystems and promoting sustainable water management practices to ensure the continued survival of these unique and fascinating birds.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D800

ISO

400

Focal length

480 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/6400 sec

Dimensions

4069 pixels x 2546 pixels

Original file size

4.74 MB