Birds
Hoatzin
Opisthocomus hoazinConservation statusLeast Concern
DietMainly leaves
LifespanAbout 15 years
Size and weightAbout 65 cm, about 800 g
A large bird with a spiky crest on its head and a bare blue face. It nests on low branches above still water.
Wing claws
What makes it specialIt digests leaves by letting them ferment (break down) in a pouch in its throat, like a cow. That is why it smells of dung.
Surprising factThe chicks have two claws on each wing, which they use to climb between branches.
PopulationCommon in the regions of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
Lagoons and still water, easily seen from the canoe