Plain chachalaca

Ortalis vetula

The plain chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) is a large bird in the chachalaca, guan and curassow family Cracidae.

Family: Cracidae Order: Galliformes Conservation: Least Concern

About the Plain chachalaca

The plain chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) is a large bird in the chachalaca, guan and curassow family Cracidae. It breeds in tropical and subtropical environments from mezquital thickets in the Rio Grande Valley in southernmost Texas, United States to northernmost Costa Rica. In Central America, this species occurs in the Pacific lowlands from Chiapas, Mexico to northern Nicaragua and as a separate population in Costa Rica, where its range is separated by a short distance, as a disjunct population. This species frequents dry and moist forests, especially where interspersed with scrub and savanna. Usually found in groups of up to 15 birds, the plain chachalaca is furtive and wary and prefers to escape from danger by running swiftly on the ground or leaping and gliding through brushy tangles. Th

Fun Facts About Plain chachalaca

Usually found in groups of up to 15 birds, the plain chachalaca is furtive and wary and prefers to escape from danger by running swiftly on the ground or leaping and gliding through brushy tangles.
The plain chachalaca typically breeds in the early wet season.
The nest is a shallow saucer of twigs and plant fibers, lined with leaves, in thick vegetation.
The clutch is 2–4 rough-shelled white to cream eggs.
Others describe chachalaca calls as irritating noises mimicking a bunch of men arguing.

Conservation Status

The Plain chachalaca is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	Galliformes
Family	Cracidae
Genus	Ortalis
Species	Ortalis vetula

Range & Habitat