Comb-crested Jacana

Identification

The comb-crested jacana is unmistakable among waterbirds. Its most striking feature is the vivid fleshy red wattle covering the forehead and forecrown, which contrasts sharply with a white face and throat. A bold black crown and hindneck frame this distinctive head pattern, while a broad black band runs across the lower breast above a white belly. The comb itself shifts in colour with the breeding season—deeper pink during breeding and more orange at other times. The back and upperwings are grey-brown, with black primary coverts, rump and tail. In flight, the black underwings and flight feathers are particularly prominent, along with the bird's characteristically long legs and extremely long toes trailing behind.

Sexual dimorphism is evident: females are notably larger, measuring 24–27 cm in length and weighing 120–150 g, while males are more compact at 20–22 cm and 68–84 g. The wingspan ranges from 39 to 46 cm.

Range & Habitat

This jacana is found across a broad region of South-east Asia and Australasia, including south-eastern Borneo, the southern Philippines, Sulawesi, the Moluccas, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and areas of New Guinea including New Britain. Its range extends into northern and eastern Australia. Although the species is rare and localised throughout this distribution, it is not considered globally threatened.

The comb-crested jacana is a specialist of large freshwater wetlands, swamps and lakes where abundant floating vegetation creates a mat-like surface on the water. Water-lilies, water hyacinth and similar plants provide both the habitat structure and feeding opportunities that this species depends upon.

Behaviour & Diet

As a member of the Jacanidae family, the comb-crested jacana is superbly adapted to life on floating vegetation, walking slowly and deliberately across the water surface with its characteristic long-toed feet. It often congregates in flocks and when disturbed will fly low over the water before landing again on open vegetation.

The species is polyandrous, with a reversal of typical breeding roles: only males incubate the eggs. Females lay four lustrous, pale brown eggs marked with black on flimsy nests built on floating or emergent vegetation. The young are precocial, hatching well-developed and soon departing the nest. In terms of diet, the comb-crested jacana gleans seeds and aquatic insects from the floating vegetation surface. Its vocalisation is distinctive—a squeaky, high-pitched chittering or shrill trill sometimes punctuated by an explosive soft bugle.

Best Time & Places to See It

Finding the comb-crested jacana requires visiting suitable freshwater wetlands within its range across northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea and the Indonesian archipelago. Your best chances lie at large swamps and lakes with extensive mats of floating vegetation. Due to the species' localised distribution, checking recent sighting records and consulting local birding guides for the specific area you plan to visit is strongly recommended.

Photography Tips

The comb-crested jacana's striking head pattern and contrasting plumage make it a rewarding photography subject, though patience is essential given its preference for skulking on floating vegetation. Photograph from a distance to avoid flushing the bird, and be prepared for slow, deliberate movements across the water. The bright red comb and white face are most vibrant during breeding season. Capture images of the bird in flight to showcase the trailing long toes and black flight feathers—a characteristic jacana silhouette.