MEXICAN JACANA 
Jacana spinosa. 8 in. 
A very peculiar species. Bill plover-like; at the base, 
terminating in a leaf-like sheaf that covers the fore- 
head; a hard spur on the shoulder of each wing; legs 
and toes extremely long, the toenails being abnormally 
so, the hind nail often being an inch and a half long. 
Young very different from the adult.—Grayish-brown 
above, with wings greenish-yellow as in adult; below 
whitish, darker across the breast and on the sides; a 
light line above the eye. Jacanas are inhabitants of 
marshy, muddy pools and ponds, where they can easily 
run over the surface, their long toes getting a good 
foothold on the floating aquatie plants. They are said 
to be very pugnacious in defence of their young, and also 
to fight among themselves during th> mating season. 
Nest.—Nests made of weeds and trash, on little float- 
ing islands or lily pads. 3 to 5 olive colored eggs, 
curiously scrawled with black. (1.20x .95); May. 
Range.—Is found and breeds within our borders only 
in Southern Texas. 
