Ortalis garrula
The Chestnut-winged Chachalaca (Ortalis garrula) is a charismatic and boisterous resident of tropical lowland forests in northern South America, often identified more by its piercing calls than its appearance. Averaging 53-61 cm (21-24 inches) in length, this medium-sized gamebird boasts a slender body, a relatively small head, and a long tail. Its plumage is a muted olive-brown over most of its body, contrasting sharply with the striking rufous or chestnut primary feathers, a key diagnostic ...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, secondary growth, and forest edges, typically at elevations below 1,200 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, but also supplementing their diet with leaves, flowers, seeds, and insects. Foraging occurs both arboreally and terrestrially.
Highly diurnal, the Chestnut-winged Chachalaca is most active during dawn and dusk, when its characteristic vocalizations are most prominent. These social birds typically forage in small groups of 3-7 individuals, moving agilely through dense arboreal vegetation and occasionally on the ground. Th...
The Chestnut-winged Chachalaca is endemic to a restricted portion of northern South America, primarily along the Caribbean coast and Magdalena River Valley of Colombia, extending into the extreme northwestern tip of Venezuela. In Colombia, its distribution spans from the Caribbean lowlands, inclu...
Least Concern
- The common name 'chachalaca' is an onomatopoeia derived directly from their loud, cackling calls. - They are part of the Cracidae family, one of the most ancient and unique bird lineages in the Neotropics. - Unlike many bird species, their young are precocial, meaning they are relatively well-d...