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Jicana Rail Among the Lotus
Of all living groups of birds, the rails are the most liekly to lose the ability to fly. One quarter of the rail species endemic to islands cannot fly, and the introduction of rats, snakes, and domestic cats have brought to their demise. Captive breeding has been helpful for several species, and as predation and habitat problems are resolved, reintroductions have been made possible. The Jacana rail belongs to the family Jacanidae, which comprises long legs, toes, and claws which enables the bird to walk on floating plants. It can swim, but does so reluctantly, and will occasionally fly, usually slowly and with dangling legs.
