Habitat:
Tropical rainforests

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The Hoatzin is a strange and fascinating bird, easily recognizable by its plume crest and distinctive plumage. Native to the tropical forests of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin, this bird stands out for its leaf-based diet, which it digests through fermentation in its digestive system, a process similar to that of ruminants. It has short wings and prefers to move by hopping through trees or swimming. While not aggressive, the Hoatzin is a shy bird and difficult to observe, often hidden in dense vegetation.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Photograph the Hoatzin using a telephoto lens, capturing its unique posture in the trees. Use soft lighting to avoid harsh shadows on its feathers and to highlight its silhouette. As the Hoatzin is a shy bird, be discreet and patient, and prefer photographing it early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer and the animal is more active.