Well armed Northern Jacana

[RVT1K]

I had no idea they have spurs on the ends of their wings!

 

[jeffashman]

Very interesting looking bird!

 

[Digger...]

Good work, do you know what the spurs are for or is it just decorative?

 

[Jeff15]

Very nice shots ...

 

[RVT1K]

Good work, do you know what the spurs are for or is it just decorative?

I had to look into that. Based on this: Spurs and blades on the wings of jacanas, lapwings, sheathbills and archaeotrogonids (clubs, spurs, spikes and claws part II) | ScienceBlogs

they are for fighting.

 

[Digger...]

I had to look into that. Based on this: Spurs and blades on the wings of jacanas, lapwings, sheathbills and archaeotrogonids (clubs, spurs, spikes and claws part II) | ScienceBlogs

they are for fighting.

Was thinking this but didn't want it to be true. Buggers.

 

[KJ_North]

Well thats one i have never seen before nice catch.

 

[RVT1K]

Well thats one i have never seen before nice catch.

I'm afraid that you will have to venture out of the Great White North to see them, it looks like the farthest north they roam is Texas and Arizona : Northern jacana - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio

Here's another shot of one looking a little thoughtful...

 

[Bill in Texas]

Nice shots