266 



CONIROSTEES. 



SUB-FAMILY II. 



Opisthocomix-e.* The Hoaitzins. 



Gen. Char.vc— Toes lengthened, and the outer toe not capableof being placed 

 posteriorly. 



M'^y^^ y 



Fig. 110.— the hoaitzin. 

 ( Op iath oco m ti s crldu tus.) 



These remarkable birds are peculiar to tlie northern 

 parts of South America. They live in small flocks 

 on the banks of rivers^ and are by no means shy, 

 allowing the hunters to approach very near. If 

 alarmed at the report of a gun, the flock takes 

 flight, crying era, era, and they all alight on the 

 same branch a few paces further ofi*. Their food 

 consists of the leaves of a tree, called by the natives 

 Avingo, or of those of the Armn arhorescens, which 



* uTTiaOe, opisthe, behind; KOj^irj, kome, a lock of hair ; So called 

 from the crest at the back of the head. 



