How does the hoatzin keep its predator away?

'Opisthocomus', its Latin name, comes from the feathers that run down its back. They have a big claw on the end of their wings that they use to protect themselves. Hoatzin chicks are able to hide underwater to escape from predators, but adult birds cannot swim.

1. Does the hoatzin have any predators?
2. What is significant about the hoatzin?
3. What animal eats a hoatzin?
4. How do hoatzin adapt to the rainforest?

Does the hoatzin have any predators?

Because of this, young Hoatzins have developed an unusual way of fleeing predators which include monkeys, hawks and snakes. When predators approach, young Hoatzins can use their wing claws to climb on the limbs of trees and out of the predator's reach.

What is significant about the hoatzin?

hoatzin, (Opisthocomus hoazin), primitive chicken-sized bird of South American swamps, principally in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. ... The hoatzin is the only bird with a digestive system that ferments vegetation as a cow does, which enables it to eat leaves and buds exclusively.

What animal eats a hoatzin?

Hawks and other large birds hunt hoatzin. They are especially interested in the young animals, which are located in the nests on the trees above the water.

How do hoatzin adapt to the rainforest?

The unique wing claws of young Hoatzins make them expert climbers. Young Hoatzins use flapping motion of their specialized wings along with alternating leg movements to swim under water. The Hoatzin is the only bird species to possess a specialized digestive system that allows it to eat leaves.