Lesser Jacana

Microparra capensis (Smith, A, 1839)

Lesser Jacana, Microparra capensis, is a jacana of African wetlands, breeding from Mali to Ghana and east to Ethiopia, with a southern range reaching Namibia, Botswana and south-east Africa. It is the smallest member of the Jacanidae family and is set apart by its long legs and claws, which let it move over aquatic plants. It lives along the edges of permanent and seasonal flooded wetlands, especially where sedge and grass are present in patches. It feeds on insects. The species was described by Smith, A, 1839.

Order

Charadriiformes

Family

Jacanidae — Jacanas

Breeding range

Africa: Mali to Ghana, e to Ethiopia and s to Namibia, Botswana and se Africa