Greg Greer, Orbridge Sr. Naturalist
The Hoatzin: A primitive bird
The hoatzin is a peculiar bird, with distinctive physiological and genetic characteristics that have been so problematic to classify that it has its own monotypic genus (Opisthocomus), within the family Opisthocomidae - in other words, this is a bird with no known relatives. Larger in size than the average chicken, the hoatzin is found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, and favors black-water swamps, ox-bow lakes, and other habitats without fast-flowing currents, where they can find food and a relatively predator-free environment. Leaves make up the bulk of their diet, along with some fruits and flowers. The hoatzin's digestive system is unique among birds, as food is fermented in the crop (which in this case functions as a rumen),
The Amazon River
Just the word “Amazon” conjures up dreams of lush rainforests, giant water lilies, ferocious piranhas and flocks of brightly colored birds. From childhood, magazine articles or television documentaries about the Amazon brought about a sense of wonder, intrigue, and excitement.
A trip to the Amazon affords many opportunities to appreciate the full meaning of the term “biodiversity” - by some estimates, an astonishing 1 in 10 of all known species on the planet live here. During the course of an afternoon you may be able to see pink river dolphins, primitive-looking hoatzins, and hundred-pound rodents swimming in the river. A bewildering array of primates exploit every forest niche - pygmy marmosets, red howlers, monk sakis, capuchins, saddle-backed tamarins - some of which will sit and watch the the humans watching them. The number of birds in this rainforest, some one-fifth of all known species, is almost overwhelming - you can see, and hear, macaws, yellow-headed parrots, pygmy owls, hawks, egrets, skimmers, and dozens of other species. But animals are not the only inhabitants of the rainforest; many tribal and indigenous peoples live along the banks of the river, and you will have a chance to meet, and connect, with some of the riberenos who call this place home.