The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), also known as the Stinkbird, or Canje Pheasant is the national bird of Guyana. It has an unfeathered blue face with maroon eyes, and its head is topped by a spiky, rufous crest. The long, sooty-brown tail is broadly tipped buff. The upper parts are dark, sooty-brown-edged buff on the wing coverts, and streaked buff on the mantle and nape. The under parts are buff, while the crissum, primaries, underwing coverts and flanks are rich rufous-chestnut, but this is mainly visible when it opens its wings. The alternative name of “stinkbird” is derived from the bird’s manure-like odour, caused by its digestive system.
