White-bellied Chachalaca

The White-bellied Chachalaca, Ortalis leucogastra, presents itself as a medium-sized bird, with a length ranging from 43 to 50 cm and a weight between 439 to 560 grams. It boasts a plumage of brown across its head, upperparts, and breast, while its belly is a contrasting dull white. The tail is also brown but is distinctively tipped with white. A notable feature is the bare dark slate skin that encircles the eye, adding to its unique visage.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the White-bellied Chachalaca, look for the combination of its brown and white belly, the white-tipped tail, and the dark slate skin around the eye. These features are key to distinguishing it from other species.

Habitat

This bird favors swamp forests and thick scrub swamps, but it is also known to inhabit dry forests, pasture edges, and mangroves. It thrives predominantly on the Pacific coastal plain but can be found at elevations up to 1,500 meters in Guatemala.

Distribution

The White-bellied Chachalaca's range extends from southeastern Chiapas in southwestern Mexico, through southern Guatemala, El Salvador, and southern Honduras, reaching into northwestern Nicaragua.

Behaviour

This species is a social creature, often seen foraging in groups of six or more. It typically remains perched 6 to 10 meters above ground in the vegetation.

Song & calls

The principal call of the White-bellied Chachalaca is a distinctive gruff, burry chattering composed of four syllables, reminiscent of 'k-ku’uh-uh' or 'ch-k-uh-urr'.

Breeding

Breeding season sees egg-laying from March to July. The nest is a simple platform of sticks lined with leaves, situated in a tree at heights varying from 5 to 20 meters. Clutches usually contain two or three eggs, which are incubated solely by the female.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the White-bellied Chachalaca is primarily composed of berries and fruits. However, it also consumes leaves, buds, flowers, and invertebrates, making the most of the resources available in its habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the White-bellied Chachalaca as Least Concern. It is described as "common to locally abundant" within much of its range, though it is less common in Honduras and Nicaragua. While it has adapted to some human-altered landscapes such as shade coffee plantations, it has also suffered habitat loss due to the development of pastures and field crops. Additionally, it is hunted for food in some areas.