...or as it is known here in Brazil: the Jacu-cigano (pronounced “Zhah-coo See-gahn-oh) literally translated, the "Gypsy Guan," is the most interesting bird that i have had the pleasure to come across.
Whenever i had the opportunity to explore the more secluded areas of the lake behind the island where we camped, which consisted of narrow passageways through overgrown foliage, i repeatedly heard what sounded like a group of angry monkeys within the forest. It wasn't anything of the sort. It turned out to be groups of the very vocal Hoatzin.
As we approached wherever the Hoatzins were hiding, about 15 to 20 of them would burst out of the trees, screaming and fleeing the area. Really, we weren't even that close, and they could have just as easily remained hidden in their natural camouflage; but these birds didn't take any chances.
I suspect that all the screaming is to momentarily catch a predator off-guard so that there is no time to pursue them. The Hoatzin is said to be a distant relative of the cuckoo, which seems fitting, as they seem just a little bit crazy. They are the most bizarrely behaved birds i’ve ever seen. They are certainly the loudest, most flamboyant birds around - and from what i understand; they have a certain odor that has earned them the nickname "Stinkbird," in English. I never got close enough to smell them, so i cannot attest to their fragrance.
I can confirm their strange beauty, though. They have a blue face, maroon eyes, and a mohawk that reminded me of a certain famous Brazilian soccer star named Neymar. We affectionately nicknamed the birds as such. ;)
Whenever i had the opportunity to explore the more secluded areas of the lake behind the island where we camped, which consisted of narrow passageways through overgrown foliage, i repeatedly heard what sounded like a group of angry monkeys within the forest. It wasn't anything of the sort. It turned out to be groups of the very vocal Hoatzin.
As we approached wherever the Hoatzins were hiding, about 15 to 20 of them would burst out of the trees, screaming and fleeing the area. Really, we weren't even that close, and they could have just as easily remained hidden in their natural camouflage; but these birds didn't take any chances.
I suspect that all the screaming is to momentarily catch a predator off-guard so that there is no time to pursue them. The Hoatzin is said to be a distant relative of the cuckoo, which seems fitting, as they seem just a little bit crazy. They are the most bizarrely behaved birds i’ve ever seen. They are certainly the loudest, most flamboyant birds around - and from what i understand; they have a certain odor that has earned them the nickname "Stinkbird," in English. I never got close enough to smell them, so i cannot attest to their fragrance.
I can confirm their strange beauty, though. They have a blue face, maroon eyes, and a mohawk that reminded me of a certain famous Brazilian soccer star named Neymar. We affectionately nicknamed the birds as such. ;)
All photos of Neymar found on Google
Due to their rapid retreats i was unable to get any clear shots, but one, due to the setting on my camera. However, i would like to present the glimpses i caught of these interesting birds. This is yet another bird that supposedly isn't in this region, according to researchers. I guess we could call it the Incognito Cigano.
(To enlarge pictures, right-click and open in a new window.)
4 Reflections Upon The Looking Glass:
What an impressive hair-do!
Love this bird :)
Isn't it? :) I do, too!
I think the one in the 3rd pic looks decidedly female, myself. She's so pretty!
Thanks for your comments, K! :]
What a crazy looking bird!
It's as crazy as it looks! ;)
Thanks for stopping by, Chieu! :))
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