Lesser jacana

Lesser jacana
Botswana
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Jacanidae
Genus: Microparra
Cabanis, 1877
Species:
M. capensis
Binomial name
Microparra capensis
(Smith, 1839)

The lesser jacana (Microparra capensis) is a wader in the family Jacanidae and can be found in Africa. It can be recognized by its long legs and claws that allow it to walk on aquatic vegetation – although it is not to be confused with the larger African Jacana. The lesser jacana is insectivorous. Its conservation status is of least concern.

The name jacana is derived from a Tupi name of the bird, ñaha'nã.