# African Jacana

> The African jacana is a chestnut waterbird with very long toes that let it walk on floating plants. It is common on the quiet, weedy edges of the Nile in Murchison Falls.

Source: https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/african-jacana

Bird · Resident

*Actophilornis africanus*

## In brief

The African jacana is a chestnut waterbird with very long toes that let it walk on floating plants. It is common on the quiet, weedy edges of the Nile in Murchison Falls.

## How to identify the African jacana

Chestnut body, white face and foreneck, black crown and hind neck, and a pale blue bill and forehead shield. The toes and claws are extremely long.

## Where to see the African jacana in Murchison Falls National Park

On floating vegetation along the river's edge and in the delta, on boat cruises.

## Habitat

Still or slow water covered with water lilies and other floating vegetation.

## What the African jacana eats

Insects and other small animals picked from floating plants and the water surface.

## Behaviour

The female mates with several males; each male incubates the eggs and raises the chicks alone, carrying them under his wings when danger threatens.

## Best time to see the African jacana

All year. Resident, here all year.

Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Further reading: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_jacana).

## At a glance

- **Scientific name**: Actophilornis africanus
- **Family**: Jacanidae (jacanas)
- **Also called**: Lily-trotter
- **Presence**: Resident, here all year
- **Best time to see it**: All year
- **Chance of seeing it**: Seen on most visits
- **Size**: 23–31 cm long; females are larger
- **Conservation status**: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Seen on

- [Nile River Cruises](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/activities/nile-river-cruises)
- [Bird Watching](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/activities/bird-watching)

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Or call [Whatsapp: +256 757 363362 Landline: +256 776 938 933](tel:+256757363362+256776938933)

## Questions about the African jacana

### How does a jacana walk on water lilies?

Its toes and claws are very long and spread its weight over a wide area, so floating leaves can carry it.

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Nile Safari Lodge, Southern bank of the River Nile, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Telephone Whatsapp: +256 757 363362              Landline: +256 776 938 933. Email info@nilesafarilodge.com. Reservations: https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/contact