Plain Chachalaca
NamePlain Chachalaca
Common NamePlain Chachalaca
Scientific NameOrtalis vetula
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)600
Plumage DetailsThis species has dull olive-brown plumage on its upperparts, head, and breast, contrasting with a rufous or cinnamon belly. It features a long, dark tail often tipped with white, and a distinctive bare, reddish patch of skin on its throat.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, raucous, and often synchronized calls, typically described as a series of 'cha-cha-lac-a' notes, which can be quite noisy and carry long distances.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in extreme southern Texas, eastern Mexico, and throughout much of Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Identifying FeaturesDull olive-brown plumage with rufous belly, Long, dark tail with white tips, Bare reddish throat patch, Chicken-like appearance, Loud, distinctive 'cha-cha-lac-a' calls
Description
The Plain Chachalaca is a medium-sized, chicken-like bird with a long tail, often seen in dense vegetation. It is known for its loud, raucous calls, especially at dawn and dusk, and typically forages in trees and shrubs.
