Author: Nature Travel Team
Adult vs Juvenile: African Jacana
The African Jacana is one of Africa’s most fascinating wetland birds, and the difference between an adult and a juvenile is particularly striking.
The adult is unmistakable, with its rich chestnut body, black crown and hindneck, white throat, and distinctive sky-blue bill and frontal shield. Its bold colours make it a beautiful sight as it moves effortlessly across the water’s surface.
Juveniles, however, look quite different. Their plumage is much paler, with brownish upperparts, white underparts and a distinctive white eyebrow. As they mature, their colours gradually deepen and develop into the spectacular plumage of the adult.
The African Jacana is also famously known as the “Jesus bird”, thanks to its remarkable ability to walk across floating vegetation. Its long toes and claws distribute its weight across lily pads and other aquatic plants, allowing it to move across wetlands with surprising ease.
A wonderful example of how even within the same species, birds can look remarkably different at different stages of their lives.
A Common Scimitarbill Finds Its Night-Time Roost
As the sun sets, the Common Scimitarbill looks for a safe place to spend the night. Rather than sleeping on an exposed branch, it slips into a natural hollow in the side of a tree, where it’s protected from predators and the elements.
Although its long, curved bill looks impressive, it can’t excavate its own cavity like a woodpecker. Instead, it relies on existing tree hollows, often returning to the same roost night after night.
This remarkable behaviour was beautifully captured in Makuleke, Kruger National Park last night.
A Special Shoebill chick sighting at Mabamba Swamp
Just look what we spotted at Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria this morning!
Coming across this Shoebill chick was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our day. There’s something truly special about seeing these magnificent birds in their natural habitat, and getting to spend time watching a young Shoebill was an unforgettable experience.
