Hoatzin
Image: Haijie Lu (cc-by-nc)
NameHoatzin
Common NameHoatzin
Scientific NameOpisthocomus hoazin
FamilyOpisthocomidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is largely dark reddish-brown on the back and wings, with prominent white streaking on the wing coverts. The underparts are buffy, and the long tail is rufous with a broad black band. The head features a spiky, rufous crest, bare blue facial skin around the eye, and a reddish-brown iris.
Vocalization / CallHoatzins have a variety of raucous, croaking, hissing, and grunting calls, often described as harsh and guttural. They are quite noisy, especially when disturbed or in groups.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsriparian forest, swamp, mangrove
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America, including countries like Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Bolivia.
Identifying Featuresspiky rufous crest, bare blue facial skin, reddish-brown iris, long rufous tail with black band, unique digestive system (foregut fermenter), chick claws on wings
Description
The Hoatzin is a unique, pheasant-sized bird known for its striking spiky crest and bare blue facial skin. It is an arboreal species found in Amazonian and Orinoco basin swamps and riparian forests, often seen clumsily clambering through vegetation. This species is notable for its specialized digestive system, which allows it to ferment plant matter.
