Hoatzin
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.inaturalist.org/users/5249903">wang cai</a> (CC BY 4.0)
NameHoatzin
Common NameHoatzin
Scientific NameOpisthocomus hoazin
FamilyOpisthocomidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)62.5
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly dark brown on the back and wings, with prominent white streaking and patches on the wing coverts. The underparts are buff to rufous, transitioning to white on the belly. It features a long, spiky, rufous crest, bare blue facial skin around the eyes, and striking red irises. The tail is long and rufous-brown.
Vocalization / CallHoatzins are known for a variety of harsh, guttural calls, grunts, hisses, and croaks. Their vocalizations are often described as sounding like a smoker's cough, pig-like grunts, or hissing sounds, and they are generally quite noisy.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, swamps, riparian forests, mangroves
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Hoatzin is found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. Its range includes countries such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Bolivia, typically inhabiting areas along rivers, oxbow lakes, and swamps.
Identifying Featuresspiky rufous crest, bare blue facial skin, red eyes, long neck, dark brown back with white streaking on wings, rufous underparts, unique digestive system for fermenting leaves, chicks have claws on wings
Description
The Hoatzin is a unique, pheasant-like bird characterized by its striking spiky rufous crest, bare blue facial skin, and red eyes. It is known for its specialized folivorous diet, fermenting plant matter in an enlarged crop, and its noisy, guttural vocalizations. Chicks possess temporary claws on their wings, aiding in climbing through vegetation.
