Plain Chachalaca

Plain Chachalaca adult; Santa Ana NWR, TX, January.

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Plain Chachalaca

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A large chicken-like bird of Mexico and Central America, the Plain Chachalaca reaches the United States only in southern Texas. Its name comes from its loud, raucous calls.

Description

Large chicken-like bird. Dull brown or grayish all over. Small head. Long tail with white tip. Long, strong legs. Bare red skin on throat.

• Size: 55 cm (22 in)
• Weight: 300-685 g (10.59-24.18 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike.

Sound

Call a very loud, raucous, repeated "chac, a lak."

Conservation Status

Common throughout range where suitable habitat persists.

Other Names

Ortalide chacamel (French)
Chachalaca común, Chachalaca olivácea, Chaca común, Chachalaca vetula (Spanish)
Chachalaca (English)

Cool Facts

• The Plain Chachalaca is the only member of the family of guans, currasows, and chachalacas to reach the United States. The family contains approximately 50 species, ranging from Mexico to southern South America, many of which are endangered by over-hunting.

• Unlike most other chicken relatives in North America, the Plain Chachalaca is largely arboreal, spending most of its time foraging in trees. It is commonly observed feeding in precarious positions, including upside down.

Sources used to construct this page:

Peterson, M. J. 2000. Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula). In The Birds of North America, No. 550 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.