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Subject: The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is an odd species of tropical bird found in the swamps of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in South America. It is pheasant-sized ? but much slimmer ? long-tailed, long-necked and has a small head. It has an unfeathered blue face with red eyes, and its head is topped by spiky crest. It is a weak flier. (Wikipedia)
Amazonas06 - 249 * Greater Ani.

Amazonas06 - 250

Amazonas06 - 251 * Pygmy Kingfisher.

Amazonas06 - 252 * Amazon Kingfisher.

Amazonas06 - 253 * Amazon Kingfisher.

 
Amazonas06 - 255 * The Hoatzin eats the leaves and fruits of the plants which grow in the marshes where it lives. One of this species' many peculiarities is that it has a digestive system unique amongst birds. Hoatzins use bacterial fermentation in the front part of the gut to break down the vegetable material they consume, like cattle and other ruminants. (Wikipedia)

Amazonas06 - 256 * Hoatzins are gregarious and nest in small colonies, laying 2-3 eggs in a stick nest in a tree overhanging water in seasonally flooded forests. The chick, which is fed on regurgitated cud, has another odd feature; it has two claws on each wing. When disturbed, the chicks drop into the water to escape predation, then they use their clawed wings to climb back to the safety of the nest. This has inevitably led to comparisons to the fossil Archaeopteryx. (Wikipedia)

Amazonas06 - 257 * Hoatzin.

Amazonas06 - 258 * Hoatzin.

Amazonas06 - 259 * Hoatzin.

Copyright © 2006 Patricia E. Beebe and David R. Beebe (B2 Photo & Video)

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