Chachalaca, Plain

Physical Features

The Plain Chachalaca is a chicken-like bird that gets its name from its loud, rasping calls. Its long neck, small head and bare throat distinguish the Plain Chachalaca. The adult's head is gray and its neck and wings share a dark olive-brown color. Its belly is pale, while its tail takes on a black color with a greenish sheen and a fluffy white tip. It has a brown iris and a black beak, and the skin around the body and feet are pale gray in color. The Plain Chachalaca is 55cm (2 inches) long, and weighs 0.65kg (1.14pounds).

Habitat

The Plain Chachalaca inhabits tropical and subtropical environments, especially those that are interspersed with thick, dense second growth scrub, forest, and savanna. It can be found breeding in the Mezqital thickets of the Rio Grande Valley in southernmost Texas, and in the United States to the northernmost Costa Rica. The species can also be found in Texas, and in Central America in the Pacific lowlands of Chiapas. The Plain Chachalaca is the only member of the of the guans, currasows, and chachalacas family to reach the United States.

Diet

The Plain Chachalaca's diet consists of fruits such as figs, palms and Sapotaceae, leaves, seeds and flowers. At times it can be a pest feeding on tomatoes and cucumbers. The Plain Chachalaca is largely arboreal, spending most of its time foraging in trees. It is commonly observed feeding in precarious positions, including upside down.

Meat

Plain Chachalaca meat tastes like that of chicken and quail, and is very lean. These birds are very challenging to hunt.

Behavior

Plain Chachalaca are usually found in groups of up to 15 birds. They are very wary birds that escape from danger by running swiftly on the ground or leaping and gliding through brushy tangles. They typically breed in the early wet season. The nest is a shallow saucer made in thick vegetation and constructed from twigs and plant fibers, lined with leaves. The female lays 2-4 rough-shelled white to cream eggs, which she incubates for approximately 25 days. The call of the Plain Chachalaca is a loud, raucous “RAW-pa-haw” or “cha-cha-LAW-ka”, and is often made by several birds in a rhythmical chorus, especially in the early morning and evening, usually from high up in trees. It also produces peeping whistles and cackles, which have been described as irritating noises mimicking a bunch of arguing women.

You must select a state from the menu above to view regulations.