Chestnut-headed Chachalaca
NameChestnut-headed Chachalaca
Common NameChestnut-headed Chachalaca
Scientific NameOrtalis ruficeps
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)48
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)550
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly olive-brown on the upperparts, with darker wings and tail. It features a distinctive chestnut-brown head and neck, contrasting with pale greyish-brown underparts and a whitish belly. Bare facial skin is dark greyish-blue.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, raucous, and often repetitive calls, typically a 'cha-cha-lac-a' sound, frequently given in choruses, especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to a restricted region of eastern Brazil, primarily found in the states of Alagoas, Pernambuco, and Sergipe.
Identifying Featureschestnut-brown head, bare blue facial skin, long tail, olive-brown body plumage, loud, chattering calls
Description
This medium-sized game bird is characterized by its slender build and long tail. It typically forages in groups on the ground or in trees, feeding on a variety of plant matter and insects. They are known for their loud, chattering vocalizations.
