Hoatzin
Opisthocomus hoazin
Silhouette: Warren H (photography), T. Michael Keesey (vectorization) · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderOpisthocomiformes (Hoatzins)
- FamilyOpisthocomidae (Hoatzins)
- GenusOpisthocomus (Hoatzins)
- SpeciesOpisthocomus hoazin (Hoatzin)
About the Hoatzin
The hoatzin ( WAHT-sin, -seen; also HO-tsin and hoh-AT-sin) (Opisthocomus hoazin) is a species of tropical bird found in swamps, riparian forests, and mangroves of the Amazon and Orinoco Basins in South America. It is the only extant species in the genus Opisthocomus which is the only extant genus in the family Opisthocomidae under the order Opisthocomiformes. Despite being the subject of intense debate by specialists, the taxonomic position of this family is still far from clear.
The hoatzin is notable for its chicks having primitive claws on two of their wing digits. It is unique among birds in possessing a digestive system that significantly supports the fermentation and the effective breakdown of plant matter, a trait more commonly known from herbivorous ungulate-ruminant mammals and some primates. This bird is also the national bird of Guyana, where the local name for this bird is Canje pheasant.
The hoatzin is pheasant-sized, with a total length of 65 cm (26 in), and a long neck and small head. It has an unfeathered, blue face with maroon eyes, and its head is topped by a spiky, rufous crest. The long, sooty-brown tail is bronze-green tipped with a broad,... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Hoatzin in Cordillera Azul National Park
LIVEiNaturalistGlobal Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | |
| 2 | Yasuní National Park | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | |
| 3 | Noel Kempff Mercado National Park | 🇧🇴 Bolivia | |
| 4 | Manu National Park | 🇵🇪 Peru | |
| 5 | Cordillera Azul National Park | 🇵🇪 Peru | |
| 6 | Sierra de la Macarena National Park | 🇨🇴 Colombia | |
| 7 | Tambopata National Reserve | 🇵🇪 Peru | |
| 8 | Anavilhanas National Park | 🇧🇷 Brazil | |
| 9 | Madidi National Park | 🇧🇴 Bolivia | |
| 10 | Amboró National Park | 🇧🇴 Bolivia | |
| 11 | Amacayacu National Natural Park | 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Hoatzin in Cordillera Azul National Park?
About 20% of wildlife watchers report a Hoatzin sighting in Cordillera Azul National Park, based on 345 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Hoatzin in Cordillera Azul National Park?
April has the highest sighting rate for Hoatzin in Cordillera Azul National Park in our monthly data.