Colombian Chachalaca
NameColombian Chachalaca
Common NameColombian Chachalaca
Scientific NameOrtalis columbiana
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)54
Weight (g)525
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are grey, featuring a prominent bare red throat patch. The upperparts are olive-brown, transitioning to a scaled grey pattern on the breast. The lower belly and undertail coverts are rufous, and the long tail is dark with rufous outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, harsh, and often synchronized calls, typically described as a series of cackling 'cha-cha-lac-a' notes. These vocalizations are often given in groups, particularly during dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the inter-Andean valleys of Colombia, primarily found in the Magdalena and Cauca river valleys.
Identifying Featuresgrey head and neck, bare red throat patch, scaled grey breast, olive-brown upperparts, rufous lower belly and tail, long tail
Description
This medium-sized, long-tailed bird has a distinctive grey head and neck with a bare red throat patch. Its upperparts are olive-brown, contrasting with a scaled grey breast and rufous lower belly and tail. It is known for its loud, raucous vocalizations, especially at dawn and dusk.
