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mightycucumber — Clawed Hoatzin
Published: 2016-01-09 22:41:38 +0000 UTC; Views: 1471; Favourites: 26; Downloads: 4
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Description
Genetically modified hoatzin, that underwent a similar process that chickens underwent to become Chickensaurs.Earth's Hoatzins are unique in that their chicks are born with claws that enable them to climb and hold on to branches. These claws then become solely vestigial or non-existant in adult birds, but through genetic engineering this process could be reverted, making the birds keep their claws, develop a long tail and a set of small, rudimentary teeth.
Unlike their origina species that dwelled in the upper levels of the forest, on Nea Hoatzins are mainly ground dwelling birds that climb trees almost exclusively to nest, feeding mostly of fallen ripe fruit or small critters that aren't fast enough to flee. They sometimes use their claws to hold down branches that are out of reach and aren't strong enough to hold their weight, in order to nibble tasty fruit and strip them of their juicy interior.
They live in small groups, led by up to three males and several subordinate females.
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Last concept for 's contest.
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Comments: 2
This is the most creative clawed Hoatzin drawing that I've seen. You seem to have put a lot of thought into this which I highly respect. Personally, I think that if the Hoatzin became a flightless bird then they could have possibly kept their claws. Maybe their wings could have evolved to glide instead of fly, thus making them keep their wing claws.
Also, do you know the adolescent Hoatzins have wing claws too? There are several pictures showing them climbing on trees. So I do think there's a way to reverse it.
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Thank you! 
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