The hoatzin is a very primitive looking bird that bears a close resemblance to some of the earliest bird fossils; thus, Guyana's national bird is believed have evolved from dinosaurs. Its scientific name, Opisthocomus hoatzin, means "pheasant with a crest down its back." This bird has a short fat body, stout legs and feet, a long broad tail, long scruffy neck, and a tiny head capped by a crest of spiky feathers. The hoatzin is also characterized by its chestnut-brown feathers, bright blue face and red eyes, as well as a strong musky odour-its natural defence against predators.
The hoatzin is definitely a distinctive bird. It hardly ever flies, and when it does fly it travels only short distances. It is a folivore, i.e., it eats leaves. Finally, the baby hoatzin has the ability to swim in order to avoid danger. This skillis, however, lost in adulthood. The hoatzin can be found along the banks of the Berbice river and its tributaries.
