Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

Only discoverable in the swamps of the Amazon, hoatzins are brightly colored birds that are named after the long crests on their heads. Upon viewing one, it is easy to realize that they are quite magnificent - and odd - birds. Young hoatzins possess claws on their wings that help them climb branches before learning how to fly - they are the only birds alive today with this feature. This is because they are the last surviving member of an alternate lineage of birds that split from the main line millions of years ago. The claws on its wings are possibly a leftover trait from their dinosaur ancestors that other birds did away with. Other distinct differences between hoatzins and other birds also exist. For instance, they have a larger digestive tract than other birds to accommodate their diet of leaves. However, this heavy gut compromises its ability to fly - likely the reason for its lineage’s lesser success in the wild. Surprisingly enough, hoatzins are not endangered despite living in a highly deforested area. They also have a calm temperament, often not even fleeing when one enters its personal space.