Xixi National Wetland Park has reached a major milestone in wildlife conservation with the successful breeding of the pheasant-tailed jacana, affectionately known as “Water Fairy” in China. A nest containing four eggs has been discovered at Lianhuatan, and they are expected to hatch sometime this week. This marks the first time the complete breeding cycle of the pheasant-tailed jacana has been observed and recorded within the Xixi National Wetland Park.

The pheasant-tailed jacana is a medium-sized wading bird classified as a Grade 2 state-protected wild animal in China. Belonging to the family Jacanidae of the order Charadriiformes, it mostly lives in freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, and swamps rich in emergent and floating vegetation. Remarkably adapted to its environment, this bird possesses elongated claws that allow it to gracefully stride across floating vegetation such as water lilies, lotus, water chestnuts, and makhana. Its elegant appearance has earned it the enchanting nicknames “Water Fairy” and “Water Phoenix.”

Yao Kekan, an engineer at the Xixi Eco-Culture Research Center and the Zhejiang Xixi Wetland Ecosystem Monitoring and Research Station, explained that, as migratory birds, pheasant-tailed jacanas would typically only stay at Lianhuatan in the park for about a week in summer. However, this year, an extraordinary event unfolded. Two jacanas have decided to extend their stay. They have spent their days foraging, playing, and frolicking amidst the water lilies and water chestnuts since June. Apparently, they formed a bond, fell in love, and even decided to settle down in the park.

Observation records indicate that the pair successfully laid a clutch of four eggs on July 2, and have been incubating them since. Given the typical incubation period of around 20 days, the eggs are expected to hatch sometime this week. Newly hatched chicks are usually able to walk and find food for themselves within half an hour of breaking out of their shells.

“The successful observation of the entire jacana breeding cycle in Xixi this year is a powerful testament to the wetland's improving ecological health and growing biodiversity. We can directly attribute the positive impact to last year's water bird habitat enhancement project at Lianhuatan,” explained Yao Kekan. As of 2023, the park had recorded 218 bird species, including three Grade 1 state-protected species and 32 Grade 2 state-protected species. Five new bird species have been added to the list this year.

Unlike most birds, pheasant-tailed jacanas have a unique social structure where one female mates with multiple males. These females are larger and territorial. Interestingly, it’s the male jacanas that incubate the eggs and raise the chicks. The male in the Xixi National Wetland Park has been a dedicated parent, tirelessly guarding the eggs for the past twenty days, come rain or shine.

The next chapter in this captivating story of the cute jacana family at Lianhuatan is one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned!