Rufous-vented Chachalaca

Overview

The rufous-vented chachalaca (Ortalis ruficauda) is a medium-sized member of the family Cracidae, related to the Australasian mound builders. It is notably one of the two national birds of Trinidad and Tobago, where it is featured on the country's coat of arms, and is also known as the guacharaca in Colombia and Venezuela.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird similar in general appearance to a turkey, measuring 53–58 cm in length.
• Dull plumage that is dark brown above and paler below, with a grey head and a brown tail tipped with rufous or white depending on the subspecies.
• Possesses small heads and long, strong legs, along with a long, broad tail.
• Very noisy species, particularly at dawn, with the male producing a loud 'ka-ka-rooki-rooki-ka' call answered by the female's high-pitched 'watch-a-lak'.

Habitat

Found in northeast Colombia, northern Venezuela, the island of Tobago, and potentially Bequia and Union Island in the Grenadines. It inhabits forest and woodland but is also present in more open, dry scrubby areas. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, likely due to its adaptability to various habitats and low hunting pressure.

Diet

Feeds on fruit such as mangoes and berries, as well as leaves and seeds. It forages by walking along branches to locate food. It is an able flyer capable of vertical take-off but does not usually fly long distances.

Did you know?

In Trinidad and Tobago, the rufous-vented chachalaca is one of the two national birds and is depicted on the country's coat of arms. It may have been introduced to Bequia and Union Island in the Grenadines.