Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula)

The Plain Chachalaca is a unique, chicken-like bird that reaches the U.S. only in extreme southern Texas. Around 50 related species live in the American tropics, but this is the only one that reaches the U.S. They are named after their very loud Chac-ala-ala calls, a sound which is often one of the loudest sounds typically heard in their forested range.

Habitat

Plain Chachalacas are found in forested areas, often near sources of water, such as riparian areas and forested areas adjacent to ponds and lakes. They also can increasingly be found in mature suburban areas with significant tree and shrub cover.

Diet

Mostly vegetarian, feeding on fruits and berries, seeds, leaves, flower buds, and flowers. They will also sometimes eat insects, spiders, and small snails.

Behavior

Plain Chachalacas typically forage on the ground, or very close to it, moving in groups through dense vegetation as they feed. They are not strong fliers, and will typically hop or run on the ground or through vegetation if alarmed. Flight is often composed mostly of short flights and longer glides.

Nesting

Nests in dense cover on a tree limb or fork of a tree. The nest is made of sticks, leaves, and other vegetation, and takes the form of a flat platform, with a depression in the center filled with moss or other softer material. The female incubates the eggs by herself, but both parents help to raise the young.

Song

Named after the very loud, long-carrying calls, often sung by pairs or groups of birds in establishing territories.

Migration

Permanent resident throughout its range.

Interactive eBird Map

Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Plain Chachalaca sightings

Feeders

They will attend feeders in some locations where they've become accustomed to a human presence, and can be attracted with seeds and bread.

Similar Species

Generally unmistakeable in North American (ABA) range. Unique structure and habits.

Conservation Status

There are currently no perceived major threats to Plain Chachalaca populations, and Birdlife International cites it as a species of "Least Concern". Populations in the small U.S. portion of its range are stable.

Photo Information

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County, Texas - Bill Bouton - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license .