A pheasant-tailed jacana drives other birds away from its territory. [Photo by Bao Jianxin / wxrb.com]

A Wuxi photographer, Bao Jianxin, has documented six months in the life of the city's population of pheasant-tailed jacanas, including their nesting, dating, spawning, incubation and fostering habits.

Pheasant-tailed jacanas are a type of wader featuring black feathers, a golden neck, white eye stripes and grey legs. They usually walk on floating vegetation such as lilies, and have been dubbed as one of the most elegant birds to inhabit fresh water wetlands.

Mainly found in Southeast Asia, from India to China, pheasant-tailed jacanas remain sedentary in areas such as Yunnan province, however those living further north migrate south in late October for the winter season.

Females of the species are bigger in size than the males and mate with various partners. A female lays four eggs in each nest before the male takes charge of incubation and raising the chicks.

The male is tasked with defending the nest during the 26-day incubation period, as well as seek out food such as insects and vegetation.