HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin)

  • Height: 60 cm
  • Weight: 700 – 900 g
  • Best season: January to December
  • Sightings: 95%

The hoatzin is a unique, herbivorous bird found in wetlands and swamps across South America. Known for its brown plumage, blue facial skin, and a crest of feathers, it has a distinctive digestive system that ferments vegetation, earning it the nickname “stinkbird.”

The hoatzin feeds on leaves, flowers, and fruits, helping control plant growth and dispersing seeds. Its unusual appearance and behaviors make it an important symbol of biodiversity in tropical wetlands. It is currently listed as Least Concern, though habitat destruction poses a risk.

Here at Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Comunal Reserve, Hoatzin is one of the highligts bird to spot, as our guides know the area they take the tourist to the specific spots in order to see them, oxbox lakes is one their hábitats where we are able to find them in our excursions.

Ecological Role of the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

Plant Growth Control
As herbivores, they help regulate vegetation growth, maintaining the balance of wetland plant communities.

Ecosystem Indicators
Their dependence on wetland habitats makes them important indicators of ecosystem health, signaling changes due to habitat loss or degradation.