Scaled Chachalaca
NameScaled Chachalaca
Common NameScaled Chachalaca
Scientific NameOrtalis squamata
FamilyCracidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)550
Plumage DetailsThis chachalaca has an overall olive-brown to dark brown plumage. Its head and neck are grayish-brown, with a distinctive scaled appearance on the breast and upper back due to pale feather edgings. The belly is paler, sometimes with a rufous wash, and it has bare grayish facial skin.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, harsh, and repetitive calls, often described as a 'cha-cha-lac' or similar cackling sounds. These vocalizations are frequently given in a chorus by multiple birds, especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southeastern Brazil, primarily inhabiting the Atlantic Forest biome from Espírito Santo south to Santa Catarina.
Identifying FeaturesMedium-sized, slender, long-tailed brown bird, Distinctive scaled pattern on neck and breast, Loud, raucous 'cha-cha-lac' calls, Arboreal habits, often in small groups, Bare grayish facial skin
Description
The Scaled Chachalaca is a medium-sized, arboreal bird characterized by its slender build and long tail. It is typically found moving through the canopy in small groups, often detected by its loud, raucous calls.
