The Comb-crested Jacana is the only member of this group widely distributed in Australia where it is popularly known as lily trotter. A second Jacana, the Pheasant-tailed Jacana is only known as a vagrant. Comb-crested Jacanas occur in coastal and subcoastal swamplands across northern Australia and down the east coast to near Sydney.

Comb-crested Jacanas lay probably the most beautiful eggs of any bird in Australia.( see pic#171204) They are very well camouflaged as they lie just above water level in the flimsy floating nest. When water levels rise after heavy rain the birds are known to carry the eggs beneath their wings to a safer location. When threatened, they do this with very young nestlings as well.To avoid predators, jacanas can submerge below the water with merely a nostril showing.