Hoatzin

“The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus cristatus) is curious and highly specialized. “The body is long and thin, the bill is strong with basal serrations on the maxilla; bristles surround the gape, and the eye-lids have distinct lashes- a rare fact among birds. The reticulated metatarsi are fairly stout; the toes are long; the hallux being unusually developed and the claws slightly curved. The short rounded wings have ten primaries and nine secondaries. The plumage in both sexes is olive above with white markings, and dull rufous below; the long loose crest and the tip of the tail are yellowish, and patch of bare bluish-black skin surrounds the eyes.” A. H. Evans, 1900

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