Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Shot at Gudavi

Close relatives of Bronze-winged Jacanas, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas look spectacular to the first look, with their long tail flashing in the sunlight. Of course, these long tails give the bird its name. Especially in the breeding season, it is easier to identify. Like the other Jacanas, we can find these on the shallow waters and wading on the water vegetation on the surface of the water. I was able to catch sight of these at Gudavi bird sanctuary, where I also saw the Ibises up close.

Salim Ali mentions that these birds have very similar food habits as bronze-winged Jacanas.

Scientific name for these birds is Hydrophasianus chirurgus.