The pheasant-tailed jacana is the longest in the jacana family when its tail streamers are included. During breeding season, it has striking elongated central tail feathers. Its body is chocolate brown, with a white face, and black and white stripes running down the neck. The nape is a silky golden yellow, and its wings are mostly white with black borders. In non-breeding plumage, the bird’s head and back turn dark brown. Found on lakes with floating vegetation, they feed on insects, molluscs, and other invertebrates. Jacanas are polyandrous, and females can lay up to 10 clutches, each raised by different males.