West Mexican Chachalaca

Overview

The West Mexican chachalaca (Ortalis poliocephala) is a species of bird in the family Cracidae that is endemic to Mexico. It is currently assessed by the IUCN as being of Least Concern and is considered fairly common to common throughout its range.

Identification

• Length of 58.5 to 68.5 cm, with one male recorded at 760 g.
• Dull brownish gray crown and nape with pale brownish olive upperparts and a grayish olive breast.
• Hazel eye surrounded by bare carmine skin.
• Principal vocalization consists of gruff, throaty, rhythmic chattering described as 'chur-uh-uh-uhr'.

Habitat

Found in southwestern Mexico from northern Jalisco to southwestern Chiapas and inland to southwestern Puebla, ranging in elevation from sea level to 2,400 m. It primarily inhabits mature deciduous forest, thorn scrub, and secondary forest, though it also occurs in pine-oak forest, mangroves, and palm plantations.

Diet

Forages mostly on the ground but will also ascend into vegetation. Approximately two-thirds of its diet consists of fruit, while the remainder is made up of flowers, seeds, leaves, and insects.

Did you know?

The nest is a shallow platform of sticks lined with leaves and bromeliads that can be situated up to 5 m above the ground.