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BirdNote: Jacana - Lili-trotter

Tony Ashton

The strange wading birds known as jacanas are nick-named "lily-trotters" for their ability to walk on lilypads. In Jamaica, they're known as "Jesus birds," because they appear to be walking on water — a feat made possible by their long toes.

But that's not all that's cool about jacanas. The males, including the Comb-crested Jacana pictured here, can carry their young under their wings. Picture this colorful wading bird, crouching down and spreading his wings.

The young scoot in under him, and he sweeps them up anad carries them off, tiny legs dangling from under his wings. Check out the video!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgZDb3VzMUc

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