East Brazilian Chachalaca

Overview

The East Brazilian chachalaca (Ortalis araucuan) is a monotypic species in the family Cracidae, endemic to a narrow strip of eastern Brazil. It was previously considered a subspecies of the speckled chachalaca but is now recognised as a distinct species that appears common with a stable population.

Identification

• Approximately 50 cm long with a dull rufous crown and nape, brown upperparts, and a reddish rump.
• Dark brown under throat and breast featuring whitish spots in females and buffy spots in males, contrasting with white underparts and an ochre vent.
• Dark brown eyes surrounded by bare slate blue skin and a red gular patch.
• Song consists of a repeated 're-a-tok' that is easily distinguished from the five-syllable call of the speckled chachalaca.

Habitat

Found in a fairly narrow strip of far eastern Brazil, ranging from Rio Grande do Norte south into Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais. The species primarily inhabits the Atlantic Forest but also utilises secondary forest, caatinga, and restinga landscapes.

Diet

This bird forages in flocks of up to about seven individuals and has a diet that is primarily composed of fruits, although specific feeding habits are not fully detailed.

Did you know?

While little is known about its breeding, a documented nest was an unlined shallow bowl made of twigs and leaves, situated in dense foliage approximately 3.2 m up in a tree and containing three eggs.