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ArtistWetland scene of bronze winged jacana walking gracefully on floating leaves, reflection in water, soft ripples. Composition: horizontal, bird mid-plane, shallow depth of water. Lighting: soft morning sun reflecting off water. Palette: bronze, soft white, green reflections. Texture & detail: feather sheen, water surface, leaf detail. Artist-mix: Audubon realism , subtle fantasy water glow. Camera: 85–120mm, 4k.
***Sri Lanka Bronze-winged Jacana -Metopidius indicus ***
Short:
Rare wetland bird in Sri Lanka; threatened by wetland drainage and habitat loss.
Facts:
Habitat: Marshes, ponds, lotus-filled tanks, paddy field wetlands, and shallow freshwater lakes.
Threats: Wetland conversion for agriculture and development, pollution, invasive aquatic plants, and disturbance from human activities.
Details:
The Sri Lanka Bronze-winged Jacana is a striking and graceful wetland bird known for its elongated toes and claws, which allow it to walk on floating vegetation such as lotus leaves and water lilies earning it the name "Jesus bird" in some parts of the world because it appears to walk on water.
This jacana is named for its beautiful bronze-colored wing coverts, which glisten in sunlight. Its plumage typically features dark brown to black feathers, a white forehead shield, and a yellowish bill. Adults are strong fliers but prefer to move on foot across vegetation while foraging.
It feeds primarily on:
Aquatic insects
Small snails
Worms
Seeds and plant matter associated with wetlands
The species is also noted for polyandrous breeding behavior females may mate with multiple males, and males take responsibility for incubating eggs and caring for the chicks.
Despite its adaptability, the Bronze-winged Jacana is under increasing threat in Sri Lanka due to:
Major Threats:
Wetland drainage and conversion for urban construction, tourism, and agriculture
Pesticide and fertilizer runoff contaminating water bodies and reducing invertebrate prey
Invasive plants such as Salvinia and Water Hyacinth, which alter wetland structure
Human disturbance from fishing, boating, and recreational activities
Conservation of this species requires strict wetland protection, restoration of degraded marshes, and promotion of sustainable farming practices around freshwater habitats.
2025 November 16
