Hoatzin
NameHoatzin
Common NameHoatzin
Scientific NameOpisthocomus hoazin
FamilyOpisthocomidae
Wingspan (cm)68
Length (cm)63
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly dark brown on the back with white streaking on the mantle and wings. The underparts are buffy to rufous, and the long tail and flight feathers are rufous-brown, often tipped with buff. A prominent, spiky, reddish-brown crest adorns its head.
Vocalization / CallHoatzins produce a variety of loud, hoarse calls, including croaks, hisses, grunts, and groans, often described as sounding like a smoker's cough.
Primary Habitatsriparian forest, swamp, mangrove
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, primarily in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Identifying Featuresspiky crest, bare blue facial skin, red eyes, long rufous tail, unique digestive system (fermentation), strong musky odor, clumsy flight
Description
The Hoatzin is a unique, pheasant-like bird known for its spiky crest, bare blue facial skin, and red eyes. It is primarily folivorous, possessing an unusual digestive system that ferments vegetation, giving it a distinctive musky odor.
