jacana

1 definition found

jacana - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Jacana \Jac"a*na`\, n. [Cf. Sp. jacania.] (Zool.)
     Any of several wading birds belonging to the genus Jacana
     and several allied genera, all of which have spurs on the
     wings. They are able to run about over floating water weeds
     by means of their very long, spreading toes. Called also
     surgeon bird.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The most common South American species is Jacana spinosa
           . The East Indian or pheasant jacana
           (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) is remarkable for having
           four very long, curved, middle tail feathers.
           [1913 Webster]