Hoatzin
Image: Brett/Tele (cc-by)
NameHoatzin
Common NameHoatzin
Scientific NameOpisthocomus hoazin
FamilyOpisthocomidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)62.5
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly dull olive-brown on the back and wings, with a rufous (reddish-brown) belly and underparts. The head features bare blue facial skin around a red eye, topped by a prominent, spiky, reddish-brown crest. The long tail is dark with a broad buffy or reddish-brown terminal band.
Vocalization / CallHoatzins produce a variety of raucous, croaking, hissing, and grunting calls, often described as harsh and guttural, especially when disturbed.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical forests, swamps, mangroves, riverine forests, wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, including countries such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Identifying Featuresspiky reddish-brown crest, bare blue facial skin, red eyes, rufous belly, long tail with buffy band, chicks with wing claws, strong musky odor
Description
The Hoatzin is a unique, pheasant-sized bird known for its spiky crest, bare blue facial skin, and largely herbivorous diet. Its chicks possess unique claws on their wings, a primitive trait that aids in climbing.
