The pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) is characterised by its elongated central tail feathers, which inspire its name. They are predominantly brown with a golden-yellow nape and a white face. Their wings are white with a distinct black border visible in flight. During the non-breeding season, the top of the head and back turn dark brown, with only a faint trace of the golden nape feathers remaining visible.

This species is typically found on lakes with ample floating vegetation, often forming large flocks on a single waterbody. The pheasant-tailed jacana primarily feeds on insects, molluscs, and other invertebrates, which it picks from the water’s surface. During the rainy season, this species nests on floating vegetation and lays multiple clutches in a single season.