402 



TROPICAL AMERICA AND ITS ANIMALS 



powerful than commonly reputed, and, at all events, insufficient to render it 

 immune to the attacks of parasites. In general character the nest and eggs are 

 very similar to those of the Guiana green herons (Butorides), but are placed higher 

 above the water. Both sexes assist in nest-building, and two eggs seem to be the 

 usual number in a clutch. There is no foundation for the assertion that these 

 birds are polygamous, or for the old legend as to their snake-eating habits. 

 If they can possibly avoid it, hoatzins never resort to flight or descend to the 

 ground, their method of locomotion being to creep from branch to branch of the 

 mangrove and other trees to which they resort in the river-valleys of Guiana, 



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/ 



HOATZIN. 



Venezuela, and Brazil. When the foliage and creepers are unusually dense the 

 wings are used, either alternately or in unison, to push aside obstructions, and to 

 aid the birds in preserving their balance until a firm grip has been obtained with 

 the feet. In consequence of this habit the primary quills become much frayed and 

 worn by friction with the branches. The crest, like that of the cock-of-the-roek, is 

 permanently erect. 



Conspicuous on account of their gorgeous coloration are the red 

 flamingo (Phmnicopterns ruber), the red spoonbill, or ajaja (Platalea 

 rosea), and the red ibis (Plegadis rubra), all of which are common to Central and 

 South America. Two other South American birds of this group are the jabiru or 

 giant stork {Mycteria americana) and the maguari (Dissura maguari), which is 



Waders. 



