FAMILY NAME: Jacanidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Metopidius gallinacea SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 20 to 27cm. (8" to 10") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Might be found on any vegetation covered freshwater pond, lagoon or dam, along the north and eastern coastal regions.
BREEDING: Breeding season is from September to May. The nests are built on the water, using parts of the water plants, and supported by lily pads. The male of this species does the parenting, building the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the chicks. When in danger, the male will hide the chicks under his wing, and carry them around like that.
GENERAL: Sometimes called the "Lotusbird". These birds are almost always over water, both feeding and breeding there. They feed on aquatic plants and insects, and can move across the lily pads with ease, because of their long toes, which spread the weight. Both sexes have similar appearance, however the female is slightly larger than the male.
References:
Michael Morecombe.
Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day.
The Birds of Australia.M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly.
The Atlas of Australian Birds.Birds in Backyards.
www.birdsinbackyards.net
