Plain Chachalaca

The Plain Chachalaca, Ortalis vetula, is a large bird that is a member of the Cracidae family, which includes chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is similar in size to a common pheasant, with a length ranging from 48 to 58 centimeters and a weight between 468 to 794 grams in males, and 439 to 707 grams in females. This species exhibits a greyish head and neck, with a dull olive-brown body and wings. The underbelly is pale to ochraceous, and the tail is blackish with a green gloss and a buffy-white tip. Both sexes have a small head, long neck, and during the breeding season, a deep red bare throat patch.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Plain Chachalaca, look for the distinctive red throat patch which becomes more pronounced during the breeding season. The bird's greyish head and neck contrast with its olive-brown body and wings. The tail is notable for its blackish color with a green sheen and a white tip. The iris is brown, the bill is black, and the orbital skin and feet are a dull grey.

Habitat

The Plain Chachalaca is found in a variety of habitats including dry and moist forests, scrub, and savanna. It is particularly associated with mezquital thickets in the Rio Grande Valley and adapts well to human-modified landscapes such as orchards and suburban areas.

Distribution

This bird's range extends from the southernmost Texas in the United States through Mexico to northernmost Costa Rica. It is also found in the Pacific lowlands from Chiapas, Mexico to northern Nicaragua, with a disjunct population in Costa Rica.

Behaviour

The Plain Chachalaca is a social bird, often found in groups of up to 15 individuals. It is known for its furtive and wary nature, preferring to run swiftly on the ground or leap through brush to escape danger. It is mostly diurnal, with peak activity in the cooler hours of the morning and evening.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Plain Chachalaca are quite distinctive, with a loud and raucous "RAW-pa-haw" or "cha-cha-LAW-ka" often performed in a rhythmic chorus by several birds. These calls are particularly prevalent in the early morning and evening. Additionally, the species produces peeping whistles and cackles.

Breeding

Breeding typically occurs in the early wet season. The nest is a shallow saucer of twigs and plant fibers, lined with leaves, and placed in thick vegetation. Clutches consist of 2 to 4 rough-shelled white to cream eggs.

Similar Species

The Plain Chachalaca is related to the West Mexican Chachalaca and the White-bellied Chachalaca, which were once considered subspecies but are now recognized as separate species. Their ranges slightly overlap in Mexico, but hybrids have not been reported.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Plain Chachalaca includes fruit such as figs, palms, and Sapotaceae, as well as seeds, leaves, and flowers. It feeds both in trees and on the ground and can sometimes become a pest to crops like tomatoes and cucumbers.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Plain Chachalaca as Least Concern, with an estimated population of 500,000 to 5,000,000 individuals. It is not currently considered threatened, although the subspecies on Útila Island, O. v. deschauenseei, has been of concern but still survives.