Scaled Chachalaca

Overview

The scaled chachalaca (Ortalis squamata) is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, comprising chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is endemic to Brazil, specifically found in the southeastern region.

Identification

• Approximately 50 cm long with a plumage predominantly consisting of shades of brown, darker on the upperside.
• A dark brown breast featuring pale feather edges that create a scalloped or scaly effect.
• A small pinkish throat patch and slate-gray bare skin around the dark eye.
• Vocalisations include a raucous, highly variable racket given in duet or chorus, often described as cacataPOOP or cacataPOP.

Habitat

Endemic to southeastern Brazil, ranging from southern São Paulo through Paraná and Santa Catarina into Rio Grande do Sul. It inhabits the edges of tropical evergreen forests, as well as the interior and edges of restinga and mangrove stands dominated by Laguncularia racemosa. The species occurs from sea level up to 800 m in elevation.

Diet

The diet consists mostly of fruits and leaves. The bird is usually observed in small family groups and also visits feeding stations with bananas and suburban gardens.

Did you know?

The species was previously considered a subspecies of the speckled chachalaca, and before that was treated as a subspecies of the plain chachalaca. It might also have occurred in southeastern Paraguay through the late 1800s.