Cradled by lilies…

A juvenile pheasant-tailed jacana rests gracefully among pink water lilies in a pond in Chattogram's Annanya residential area. Native to tropical Asia, from India to Indonesia, this elegant bird thrives in shallow freshwater lakes and marshes carpeted with floating vegetation. Its long toes and claws let it stride effortlessly across lily pads while feeding on insects, molluscs, and aquatic plants. Known for its dramatic tail and striking plumage during breeding season, the pheasant-tailed jacana is the only migratory jacana species. Juveniles, like this one, wear softer browns and creams. Though listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces threats from habitat loss and pollution.
 

PHOTO: KAMOL DAS