Hoatzin / Opisthocomus hoazin

This peculiar bird wanders along riverbanks where it feeds exclusively on leaves and roots of swamp plants, such as monstera and philodendron.  Here it is in a stand of aroids (Montrichardia arborescens) where it clambered about clumsily. To cope with its plant-based diet, it has developed a specially adapted stomach for fermentation like a cow. It even burps methane which smells terrible! This waterbird nests in a bush over water.  As a chick, it has claws on its wings (like a pterodactyl) which it uses to climb back into its nest after falling into the water. It is threatened by deforestation.