Focus on Flora and Fauna
Do you know what this is?
The Comb-crested Jacana – a bird of permanent wetlands
Photo: Carl Moller
This colourful and unusual bird is the Comb-crested Jacana, sometimes called
a
Lotusbird. Its huge toes enable it to walk on floating vegetation like lily pads.
It inhabits permanent wetlands in the Burnett Mary region, especially those with
water-lilies, and feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates, as well
as some seeds and other vegetation. Sometimes young birds will dive and stay submerged
with just their nostrils exposed for a very long time, and adults will also dive
for safety on
occasion.
Although populations appear secure in Queensland, it is listed as vulnerable
in New South Wales due to loss of wetland habitat through clearing and draining
for flood
mitigation and agriculture.
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