Is a hoatzin a herbivore

Answer 1

If in most of birds' species, food is broken up in the gizzard, the Hoatzin makes it in its well developed muscular crop.

Hoatzin feeds on certain marsh plants, such as leaves of arums (Aracea) and mangroves Avicennia, but they eat several other plants' species. They usually choose young leaves, tender shoots and buds.

Hoatzin has a digestive system unique among birds, using bacterial fermentation to break down the plant materials they consume. That is the function of the crop, an enlargement of the oesophagus. This microbial fermentation converts plant cellulose included in consumed foliage into simple sugars.

Hoatzin has an unpleasant odour, due to aromatic compounds included in their vegetal food. This smell is like fresh cow manure, so, this bird is only hunted for food in extremely rare occasions.

Answer 2

Yes, a hoatzin is a herbivore. Its diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, and flowers.