Colombian Chachalaca

Overview

The Colombian chachalaca (Ortalis columbiana) is a large, frugivorous bird in the family Cracidae, endemic to the inter-Andean valleys of Colombia. It leads an arboreal lifestyle and plays a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of tropical forests by dispersing large seeds.

Identification

• A large, plump forest bird measuring 50–60 cm in length, with a long slender neck, small head, and long, robust legs.
• Upperparts are mostly brown, shading to greyish-brown on the flight feathers, while the outer tail feathers are rufous-brown.
• The head and neck are grey, featuring a distinctive red dewlap on the neck.
• The breast displays grey feathers with prominent white scalloping, a key marking that distinguishes it from the similar speckled chachalaca.

Habitat

This species is endemic to the Cauca and Magdalena valleys of Colombia, where its distribution is now highly fragmented. It inhabits the upper tropical zone, typically found on the edges of dry to humid forests and mature second growth, though it can also survive in degraded scrub and thickets.

Diet

Colombian chachalacas are highly frugivorous, foraging from the mid-level to the canopy in pairs or small groups, with a preference for Ficus or Cecropia species. Their diet consists primarily of fruits, which make up the vast majority of their intake, along with some leaves, flowers, and occasionally soil or stones.

Did you know?

These birds are social and can be quite noisy, engaging in choruses of the 'chac-a-lac' call that gives the group its common name. Groups of up to 20 individuals have been observed foraging together.