Introduction: Lesser jacanas (Microparra capensis) frequent permanent and seasonal shallow waters, wetlands, lakes and dams where growing grasses and water-lilies provide floating cover. They are usually observed in pairs, singly or in small groups of up to 20, walking and running on floating plant stems and leaves. Occasionally they have been known to swim.

Distribution: Etosha, Caprivi. Common in Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

Diet: Pecks and scissors small insects off the surface of floating vegetation.

Description: A small jacana often confused with the larger African jacana. Microparra is Latin for 'a small bird of ill omen'.

Breeding: Between 2 and 5 eggs are laid on a very small platform constructed of aquatic plant stems just above water. Chicks will dive under the water if threatened, with only the tips of their bills protruding above the water.

Size: 16cm. Weight: 40g.

Namibia Tours