The long legs and oversized claws and toes of the wattled jacana are designed so it can effortlessly navigate through aquatic vegetation in search of insects. The nest of this wetland bird is capable of floating to accommodate changing water levels. Distinguishing markings are a chestnut-colored back, yellow bill and red forehead. They display yellow wings in flight. The wattled jacana is widely distributed across freshwater wetlands in the South American tropics.