Rufous-bellied Chachalaca
NameRufous-bellied Chachalaca
Common NameRufous-bellied Chachalaca
Scientific NameOrtalis wagleri
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)64.5
Weight (g)850
Plumage DetailsThe plumage features olive-brown upperparts, wings, and tail, contrasting with a distinctive rufous-chestnut belly and undertail coverts. The head and neck are greyish, with bare reddish skin around the eye and a dark, spiky crest.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, raucous, and often synchronized calls, typically a series of harsh 'cha-cha-lac-a' notes, often given by multiple birds in a chorus, especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to western Mexico, found along the Pacific slope from southern Sonora south through Sinaloa and Nayarit to Jalisco.
Identifying FeaturesRufous-chestnut belly, Bare red facial skin around eye, Dark, spiky crest, Olive-brown upperparts
Description
This medium-sized, pheasant-like bird is characterized by its olive-brown upperparts and striking rufous-chestnut belly. It typically forages in trees and shrubs, often in small groups, and is known for its loud, raucous calls.
