About Hoatzin
Opisthocomiformes contains a single, highly unusual species, the Hoatzin of South American riverine forests.
Overview
Opisthocomiformes contains a single, highly unusual species, the Hoatzin of South American riverine forests. Famously, its chicks possess clawed wing digits used to clamber through vegetation, a reptilian throwback. The adult is a leaf-eating folivore with a cow-like, fermenting foregut, unique among birds. The Hoatzin is a singular evolutionary relic.
Classification
The order Hoatzin (Latin: OPISTHOCOMIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 1 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.
Diversity & Distribution
Opisthocomiformes contains a single, highly unusual species, the Hoatzin of South American riverine forests.
Notable Families
Hoatzin and others.
