A Miocene Species, Extant, Advanced & Prehistoric.

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Greetings. The hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin, is a species of tropical avian dinosaur that arose in the Miocene approximately 23 million years ago, a native of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. 

The only extant species of the ancient genus Opisthocomus, the hoatzin occupies swamps, mangroves, and other tropical forest habitats. The species has been successful since it first appeared in the fossil record, and has several contradictory physical characteristics that confirm its ancient lineage, yet suggest advanced evolutionary processes at work. The young of the species possess claws on two of its wing digits, unique to modern birds, and reminiscent of Jurassic and Cretaceous Period birds. Adults have digestive systems that are capable of fermentation and the processing of plant matter, two attributes known from some primates and herbivorous ungulate mammals, but not known from any other species of modern bird. 

Hoatzins have a length of about 65 centimeters, making them similar in size to the average pheasant. Fossil evidence shows that the species has remained virtually unchanged since it first appeared in the Miocene. A folivore, hoatzins feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers, only occasionally feeding on insects or animal matter. Adults have long necks, small heads, and faces void of feathers. A spiky crest adorns the head of adults, with no sexual dimorphism apparent. The species is highly communicative, with a series of calls, croaks, hisses, and grunts used to warn of approaching predators, and to communicate with others concerning food sources and during mating interactions. 

Paleontologists have uncovered evidence that the hoatzin is part of an ancient lineage that first appeared during the Middle Cretaceous, prior to the extinction event that killed off the non-avian dinosaurs, and so many other creatures. A throwback that possesses advanced traits unique among modern birds. Truly an evolutionary anomaly.

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

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