HOAITZTNS. 



207 



Flo no— iHt HoMTZlN {OpiUhcii. 



Sub- Family II. 

 THE HOAITZINS. OPISTHOCOMIN^.* 



General Characteristics. — Toes lengthened, and the outer toe not capable of 

 being placed posteriorly. 



These remarkable birds are peculiar to the 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, "6/7?, era !" and they all alight on the same branch a few 

 paces farther off Their food consists of the leaves of a tree called 

 by the natives "avingo," or of those of the Arum arborescais, 

 which causes the flesh to have a musky smell, and to be used as 

 a bait for certain fishes. 



The Hoaitzin {Opisthocomus en's fat as). The true position of this curious 

 bird must still be considered as doubtful. Originally described as a pheasant 

 by Linnaeus, it has been shifted about by different authors between the Galli- 

 naceous and Passerine birds, its singular structure presenting a combination 

 of both. It has a large convex bill, with the nostrils pierced in the middle 



* 6in.i7$e, opisthe, bcJiind ; Koix-q, kome, a lock of hair : so called from the crest at the 

 back of the head. 



