Wild Birds: Pheasant-Tailed Jacana

Reporter/Provider - TaiwanPlus
Publish Date -

In spring, a wedding is about to commence at a wetland in Taiwan. The bride and groom are a pair of pheasant-tailed jacanas (水雉). Per the birds’ tradition, the lady stands on the nest with her head bowed and tail feather raised to show she is ready. Then, the gentleman begins, quite efficiently, as the mating ritual is completed within moments. Soon after, the female pheasant-tailed jacana begins laying eggs. During this period, she lays eggs as frequently as one a day. These birds are a rare polyandrous species, and as soon as the female is done laying eggs, she leaves to find a new mate. The male bird takes over the responsibility of raising the offspring.


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