Wattled Jacana

The Wattled Jacana is found in eastern Ecuador, where it inhabits freshwater wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving rivers with abundant floating vegetation, typically below 500 meters in elevation. It is locally common in suitable lowland habitats, easily recognized by its chestnut plumage, long toes, and striking red facial wattles. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable global population estimated between 5 and 50 million mature individuals. Natural history observations highlight its polyandrous mating system, with males incubating eggs in floating nests and caring for precocial chicks, while females defend territories encompassing multiple mates.