Discover the Hoatzin, the “Stinkbird” of the Amazon, a bird unlike any other. While resembling a chicken at first glance, the Hoatzin stands out as the Stinkiest Bird on Earth due to its unique digestive system. Utilizing foregut fermentation, similar to cows, the Hoatzin digests leaves in its stomach, releasing methane gas that gives it a powerful, manure-like odor.

This bizarre bird is native to the Amazon rainforest’s swamps and wetlands and is known for its chicks being born with claws on their wings, a rare evolutionary trait. The Hoatzin is considered the last living member of an ancient bird lineage, dating back around 64 million years. As a strict herbivore, its diet consists solely of leaves, an uncommon trait among birds.

Its digestive system features an unusually large crop that acts as a fermentation chamber. Special bacteria break down leaves over 45 hours, releasing gases that result in frequent belching and its infamous stench, deterring predators.

Recent genomic sequencing confirm the Hoatzin’s unique evolutionary history, revealing it does not closely match any other bird species. Biologists continue to study this mysterious and fascinating creature, making it a key subject in understanding avian evolution.