Quick Take
- African jacana parents have a caregiving arrangement that's the complete opposite of what you'd expect from most birds. See the male's role →
- Hiding chicks under their wings does more than just conceal them. The camouflage creates a second, weirder effect entirely. See the spider illusion →
- The predators jacana chicks face in their wetland home make an ordinary upbringing nearly impossible to survive. Explore jacana predators →
The African jacana is a remarkable bird that cares deeply about its young. Given the dangers beneath the water they walk through, they carry their babies under their wings. When they carry their babies, the chicks’ dangling legs make it look like the parent has multiple sets, giving them the nickname “spider bird.” This Instagram post by @wild_animalsgram shows some of these pictures, and they really do look spider-like. Read on to learn more about the African jacana.
African jacanas hide their babies under their wings to protect them from predators.
©JMx Images/Shutterstock.com
About the Spider Bird
African jacanas are semi-aquatic wetland birds native to sub-Saharan Africa. They inhabit marshes, swamps, and rivers throughout the region, relying on floating vegetation for survival. They feed on insects, snails, and other aquatic invertebrates found on various water plants. African jacanas, like many other birds, are at high risk of predation. These birds are hunted by birds of prey, otters, large fish, turtles, crocodilians, and water snakes. While adult jacanas are more vigilant, their chicks need assistance to safely navigate these hazardous environments. Unlike many other animal species, it is the male jacana that takes on the primary role of caring for the young. To make sure their babies stay safe, they carry their chicks around for the first few weeks of their lives.
Carrying their chicks is essential to the survival of jacanas. While they don’t carry their babies all the time, they pick them up to escape predators in emergencies. The parent clamps the baby between its wings and body, protecting the chicks from being grabbed while also hiding them from sight. When the chicks’ legs dangle from beneath the parent’s wings, it creates the illusion that the adult has too many legs. This gives them the funny nickname “spider bird.” Thanks to the parents’ hard work and dedication, the chicks are kept safe and are able to grow healthy and strong.
