Photo: Zieger M / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Endangered

Shorebirds

Madagascar Jacana

Actophilornis albinucha

Madagascar Jacana (Actophilornis albinucha) — Shorebirds, Gulls & Auks of Africa.

The Madagascar Jacana (Actophilornis albinucha) is a member of the Jacanidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 239 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Endangered.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

EN Endangered

Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Jacanidae Jacanas
Genus Actophilornis
Species albinucha

Where it lives

Inland western Madagascar

Africa

Quick facts

Weight: 239 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Jacanidae
Order: Charadriiformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Madagascar Jacana hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.

Migration

The Madagascar Jacana is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

The Madagascar Jacana (Actophilornis albinucha) is a species of bird in the Jacanidae family, part of the order Charadriiformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF inland w Madagascar.

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 239 g, with a wing length of about 16 cm and a tail of around 4.5 cm.

It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 113,000 km².

Songs & calls

Madagascar Jacana — Call

Recorded by Frank Lambert Licence: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Madagascar Jacana?

The Madagascar Jacana is a large bird that weighs around 239 g.

Where does the Madagascar Jacana live?

The Madagascar Jacana is found across Africa with a range covering AF inland w Madagascar, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Madagascar Jacana belong to?

The Madagascar Jacana (Actophilornis albinucha) belongs to the Jacanidae family, in the order Charadriiformes.

What does the Madagascar Jacana eat?

The Madagascar Jacana hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Madagascar Jacana migrate?

The Madagascar Jacana is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

Is the Madagascar Jacana endangered?

It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

What sound does the Madagascar Jacana make?

1 real field recording of the Madagascar Jacana — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.

How large is the Madagascar Jacana's range?

The Madagascar Jacana has a mapped global range of about 113,000 km².