530 



ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1910. 



The present generic name Opisthocomiis was given by Stephens 

 (4:7), referring to the long, waving crest; dneodo-Ko/jioc, wearing the 

 hair long behind, or literally, having hair behind, (oxiodev, behind, 

 + /<6/jir), the hair.) 



Ignoring the various bizarre appellations given to this species by 

 writers of the last century, we may review the common names in 

 use to-day. 



Quelch (38) writes 20 years ago: " The hoatzin is known in British 

 Guiana by the various names 'Anna,' ' Hanna;' 'Canje ' or ' Stinking 

 pheasant,' and 'Governor Battenberg's turkeys'; but in the dis- 

 tricts where it is found the name ' Hannah ' is the one most commonly 

 used." In a recent trip to the above-mentioned colony I heard only 

 the name " Canje pheasant " used, although I discussed the subject 

 with people of many classes. 



Fii;. 1. — Distribution of the hoatzin, as far as known. 



Among the Portuguese of Brazil the hoatzin is called Cigana, 

 meaning gypsy, and Catingueiro, signifying odor of the negro. 

 The Dutch of Cayenne speak of these birds as Canje Fazanten. while 

 the more euphonious name of the Venezuelans is Guacharacas de 

 Aqua. They also call it Chinchena, while in Bolivia the hoatzin 

 is known as Loco, or crazy bird. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



The little we know of its distribution shows that the hoatzin is as 

 remarkable in this respect as in other phases of its life history. 

 Sharpe (45) gives its range as follows: Amazonia, Guiana, Colombia, 

 Ecuador, Peru, and Boliva. This is very misleading, however, for 

 certain factors enter into the question of inhabitable territory which 

 require more detailed reference. 



