East Brazilian Chachalaca
NameEast Brazilian Chachalaca
Common NameEast Brazilian Chachalaca
Scientific NameOrtalis araucuan
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)46
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are dark greyish-brown with a scaly appearance. Upperparts are olive-brown, contrasting with paler, buffy-brown underparts that become rufous on the vent and undertail coverts. It has a long, dark tail and a small patch of bare reddish skin on the throat.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, raucous, and often repetitive 'cha-cha-lac' calls, typically given in duets or choruses, especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of eastern Brazil, ranging from southern Bahia south through Espírito Santo.
Identifying FeaturesLong tail, Drab brown plumage, Scaly neck feathers, Bare reddish throat patch, Loud, raucous calls
Description
This medium-sized game bird is characterized by its drab brown plumage and long tail. It is an arboreal species, often found foraging in the canopy and understory of its forest habitat, and is known for its distinctive loud, raucous calls.
