The Jacana jacana, commonly known as the wattled jacana, thrives in wetlands and shallow lakes across Central and South America. Its long toes and nails enable it to walk gracefully on floating vegetation. These birds are known for their polyandrous mating system, where females mate with multiple males, who then care for the eggs and young.

The Jacana jacana, commonly known as the Wattled Jacana, is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Its geographical distribution extends across Central and South America, including countries such as Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. It is also found in the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Wattled Jacana inhabits freshwater wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and the margins of lakes and rivers. These areas typically have abundant floating vegetation, such as water lilies and other aquatic plants, which are crucial for their feeding and nesting. The species thrives in warm climates with high humidity, typical of tropical and subtropical regions.

The Jacana jacana is well-adapted to its aquatic environment. It has long toes and claws that enable it to walk on floating vegetation, a characteristic that defines its ecological niche as a specialist in wetland habitats. This adaptation allows it to forage for insects, seeds, and small aquatic organisms, making it an important part of the wetland ecosystem. It plays a role in controlling insect populations and dispersing plant seeds.