Following on from the previous update on the Jacana Nest, we sat with baited breath hoping to see something that I have only read about in books but really wanted to see in person. Jacanas have an interesting method of raising their chicks. We spoke briefly about polyandry, which is where the female will have multiple mates and give birth to a number of clutches of eggs during the year. The male mates with only one female and then takes on the sole responsibility of raising the chicks. He builds the nest, and then performs the entire incubation responsibilities without any assistance.
This does not end when the chicks hatch. Although able to feed themselves he keeps a very close eye on them and is constantly on the lookout for danger. His care extends further than this and he will then carry the chicks under his wings periodically for the next 18 days. And this, is what I was desperate to see.
The chicks approach the male to be tucked into his wings to be carried.
While sitting and watching the little chicks walked towards the male and nuzzled up to him. Finally, I got to see it! The male picked two of them up tucked them firmly under his wings and revealed himself from the longer grass. In awe of the moment I am surprised I actually managed to get any pictures to share. We could see the tiny little chicks’ legs dangling out the bottom as he moved around.
One of the chicks sticking out from under the wing of the male.
The tiny feet of the chicks sticking out from under the male’s wings. With them safely tucked in there they are kept safe, warm, and can save energy.
The male gazes up into the sky to look for any danger before dropping the chicks into the vegetation.
The young will feed without parental assistance from the moment they hatch, although the male will always be close by. If you look carefully you can see a chick in the grass just to the left of the male.
After two to three weeks the male will have less and less contact with the chicks and eventually after 40 days or so, contact will cease altogether. It is around this point that the chicks will take their first flight. They are now well equipped to deal with any potential danger they may face.
A view of the male as he watches carefully over his chicks.
It was such a privilege to be able to see them hatching and have a brief glimpse into their first 24 hours of life. We will definitely keep an eye out for any of these young chicks roaming around nearby as we drive past.
Fantastic ending to this great Jicarna story. Congratulations Sean on actually capturing the little ones tucked under their father’s wings. It just goes to show that the little sightings mean as much as the grand ones!!
So sorry Tayla! When I first read this Wednesday night, Sean’s name was listed so I thought he jumped in for part three. Terrific end to your trilogy and wonderful photos.
Nature is so wonderful We are always in awe of the Big Five and often miss out on the smaller creatures that have a life of their own and just as intricate as the big ones. Thanks once again for a beautiful and very interesting article .
what a great update – the photos are amazing. Please update us again, if you have more sitings, it’s really wonderful to see their progression.
A wonderful privilege to see such a site
Tayla it is fascinating to see the male keeping guard over the chick’s and keeping them warm under his wings. I never new that the male is responsible for looking after the chick’s from hatchling and as you say 40 days after that, then the little chick’s are on there own. Nature is awesome, we learn something new each day. Thank you for the story of the Jacanas.
Thank you Tayla for your continued reporting on this remarkable saga. Your photos are wonderful – they help me to feel as if I were still there witnessing this heart warming life cycle. My admiration for the Papa Jacana is boundless!
Fascinating insights, and thanks for sharing evidence of chick-rearing behaviour we might read about but never see!
Great explanation and visuals of the fascinating dynamics.
Thanks for staying on the story.
Love following this & previous updates on these amazing African Jacanas. Thanks so much, Tayla
Such an interesting deviation from typical bird behavior. I can’t help but wonder what it must feel like to be a chick smooshed under a wing. Good luck to them all!
Great blog, Twyla on these lovely little birds. And the photos are fantastic!
The way they are looking after the little ones, is certainly unique in the bird world, or do other birds exist that handle it in the same way as the African Jacanas?
Amazing insights into their rearing – and great pics you captured !
Great blog Tayla, loved the Jacana story. It is interesting about the male female relationship with the chicks. Thanks for the wonderful pictures of the male and the chicks.
This is so exciting. What an important event.