by William Swainson

“ The Jacanas are wading birds, somewhat analagous, both in structure and habits, to the European water-hen; but in their native haunts, from not being disturbed, they are less shy. The number of these birds on the lakes of Brazil, the elegance of their movements, and their fearlessness of man, excite an interest in the traveller who journeys through regions, ornamented alone by Nature. ”

“ The peculiar structure of the feet of these birds is highly singular, but their particular use has not, we believe, been explained. The Jacanas are very light birds; and their long toes, spreading over a wide surface, enable them to walk on the floating leaves of aquatic plants, with as much facility as if they were on land. In such situations their appearance is really delusive; for their pressure being sufficient to sink the supporting leaf just below the surface, the birds actually appear to walk upon the water. ”