Plain Chachalaca

Ortalis vetula

Order GALLIFORMES - Family CRACIDAE

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1. Cool Facts
2. Description
3. Similar Species
4. Sound
5. Range
6. Habitat
7. Reproduction
8. Conservation Status
9. Other Names

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.

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.

Description

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

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.

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike.

Immature

Similar to adult.

Similar Species

• Greater Roadrunner is striped, has pale underside, and large bill.
• Wild Turkey is larger and more robust, with barring on all body feathers.

Sound

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

»listen to songs of this species

Range

Summer Range

Resident from very southern Texas to northwestern Costa Rica.

Habitat

Thickets, dense second growth, scrub and forest, primarily in semi-arid regions.

Reproduction

Clutch Size

Usually 3 eggs. Range: 2-4.

Condition at Hatching

Downy and able to follow mother.

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)

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.