Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea
Comb-crested Jacana, Cooktown, Queensland, Australia, November 2010 - click for larger image Australia

The Comb-crested Jacana is distributed In Indonesia. the Philippines, New Guinea and the north and east of Australia. It is found where there is floating and/or emergent vegetation on freshwater wetlands, lagoons, swamps and lakes.

Comb-crested Jacana, Cooktown, Queensland, Australia, November 2010 - click for larger image It feeds on insects and other invertebrates gleaned from the upper and lower surfaces of the vegetation while the bird walks using its extremely elongated toes.

The adult has a shield and comb which varies in colour from yellow to orange (photo 3) but turns pinkish red when excited such as during the breeding season (photos 1 and 2).

Comb-crested Jacana, Kakadu, Northern Territory, Australia, October 2013 - click for larger image Photo 2 also shows a fledgling while photo 5 shows a juvenile. Note its rudimentary comb and wattle and the lack of a black breast.
Comb-crested Jacana, Kakadu, Northern Territory, Australia, October 2013 - click for larger image
Comb-crested Jacana, Kakadu, Northern Territory, Australia, October 2013 - click for larger image
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