This Bird Stinks Of Cow Manure

By: NDTVNewsDesk

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The Hoatzin, a South American bird, is known for its distinct cow manure-like smell.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

This is a result of its specialised digestive system that ferments leaves in its crop.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

It is the only known bird species that uses foregut fermentation, a digestive process found in ruminants like cows.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

It possesses an enlarged crop filled with bacteria and protozoa that ferment its plant-heavy diet of leaves.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

This process releases gases, including methane, which give the Hoatzin its signature manure-like odour.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

The Hoatzin is commonly nicknamed the "stinkbird" due to its distinctive aroma.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

They inhabit the swamps and flooded forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

They are not strong fliers, using their wings primarily for climbing trees and swimming to escape predators.

Image: X/@SchmittJeanTho1

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