HOATZIN. Opisthocomus ci'istiitus. 



The wings of this species are but weak, and are unable to endure a lengthened flight 

 It is rather remarkable that this species should have two distinst modes of flight : the one 

 which is its most usual method is by a succession of rapid and apparently laborious 

 flappings ; while the other is a graceful soar, in which the bird floats softly through the 

 air with wings extended and motionless. It never employs its wings if it can avoid 

 doing so, and even in making a short flight it avails itself of every opportunity of 

 alighting, thinking, like the unfortunate people who live in the courts of royalty, that 

 to sit whenever it gets a chance is the wisest course of conduct. 



This duplicate kind of movement extends to its feet as well as its wings. Sometimes 

 it will take a lazy fit, and will sit in a lumpish drowsy position, as if it were one of the 

 slowest birds among the feathered tribes, its body all huddled up, and its head sunk 

 between its shoulders. But when roused, it leaps in a single instant from this apathetic 

 condition into graceful vivacity, every movement full of life and sparkling energy, 

 traversing the boughs with wonderful speed, its head and neck being darted in every 

 direction, like that of a snake, its crest rapidly raised and depressed, its eyes full of light, 

 its voice uttering loud and animated cries. 



