Opisthocomus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A crested bird native to South America, known for its long legs and unique appearance, often found in the Amazonian region
2. This bird species, characterized by its striking crest and unusual gait, inhabits freshwater wetlands and feeds primarily on aquatic invertebrates
3. Recognized for its distinctive physical features and habitat preferences, this bird is a remarkable example of avian biodiversity in tropical ecosystems

Etymology: The hoatzin, a South American bird whose chicks have claws on their wings, is the only living member of the genus Opisthocomus. The name combines the Greek "opisthen", meaning "behind", and "kome", meaning "hair". It refers to the bird's shaggy crest of feathers, which gives it a dishevelled look that matches its unusual appearance. The bird's common name, hoatzin, comes from a South American word. The Greek-based genus name was coined by scientists to describe the bird's anatomy, not borrowed from an ancient source.

Synonyms: hoatzin