Green Backed Heron - Bird photography and identification
Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Photo description
This large (24-27 inch) bizarre looking bird is the only member of its family. It appears to be allied with the Cuckoos (Caculidae). The sexes are alike. They are notably gregarious and tend to be found in sluggish sedentary groups. This one was part of a group near Sacha Lodge, Ecuador. f/6.3 iso 1600 exp comp minus one-third, 1/400
Uploaded Jan 29, 2007 | Flickr URL
Tags for this photo
Hoatzin Sacha Lodge Ecuador Opisthocomus hoazin
10 comments have been posted about this photo

Gorgeous! What an odd bird. Are these the birds that have a small "hook" on their wings, especially the young?
Posted on Jan 29, 2007
skaw says:
that is such a beautiful picture !
Posted on Jan 29, 2007
judithes says:
What a great picture. Unless you've actually seen these in the wild and tried taking a picture, it's hard to appreciate what you've captured. Best pic of this bird I've ever seen.
(gallery & instructions)
Posted on Jan 29, 2007
jimbeau34 says:
Fav'ed !
Posted on Jan 29, 2007
willy gil says:
amazing...made me start planning a trip to sacha...ecuador does provide great birding opportunities
Posted on Jan 30, 2007
Gosiak says:
oh amazing! makes me think of the pterodactyl and other ancient species. great photo.
Posted on Jan 30, 2007
What an amazing bird. Just gorgeous!
Posted on Jan 30, 2007
Thanks for the comments. Yes, these birds esp the young, have vestigial claws on each wing and if they fall out of the nest into the water they can climb back out.
Posted on Jan 31, 2007
wana2b says:
What a captured!
Posted on Feb 1, 2007
Stunning! These are my favourite birds, and this is the best picture I've seen of one.
Posted on Apr 29, 2007
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