Rufous-bellied Chachalaca

Overview

The rufous-bellied chachalaca (Ortalis wagleri) is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, endemic to western Mexico. It is assessed by the IUCN as being of Least Concern and is considered fairly common to common, even in habitats altered by humans.

Identification

• Measures 62 to 67 cm in length and weighs approximately 834 g.
• Plumage is predominantly gray brown to olive brown, distinguished by a rich chestnut belly and tail tips.
• Features bare pink and blue skin around the eye.
• Principal vocalization is a loud, rhythmic, 4–5-syllable chorus described as 'kirr-i-i-kr', 'chrr-i-k-rr', or 'chrr-uh-uh-rr', often accompanied by cackling, whistling, or growling notes.

Habitat

Found in western Mexico ranging from southern Sonora to northwestern Jalisco, it inhabits tropical deciduous, semi-deciduous, and thorn forests, as well as coastal mangroves. Its elevation range is typically from sea level to 1,300 m, though it has been recorded as high as 2,000 m.

Diet

This species forages in groups of up to ten individuals, primarily gleaning fruit from trees.

Did you know?

Despite being the most richly colored member of its genus due to its chestnut belly and tail tips, it is legally hunted.