Rufous-vented Chachalaca
A species of Chachalacas Scientific name : Ortalis ruficauda Genus : Chachalacas
Rufous-vented Chachalaca, A species of Chachalacas
Botanical name: Ortalis ruficauda
Genus: Chachalacas
Content
Description General Info
Photo By IshNoaj , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
These are medium-sized birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys, with small heads, long strong legs and a long broad tail. They are typically 53–58 cm long; the female weighs 540g and the larger male 640g. They have fairly dull plumage, dark brown above and paler below. The head is grey, and the brown tail is tipped rufous or white depending on race.
Size
61 cm
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
Rufous-vented Chachalaca primarily eats fruits, tender shoots, and leaves, supplemented with invertebrates and flowers. Its foraging behavior usually occurs in trees, showcasing a preference for a varied plant-based diet with occasional protein sources.
Habitat
The rufous-vented Chachalaca predominantly dwells in thorny deciduous brushland and open forests, frequently near water bodies such as rivers and lagoons. It has a marked preference for regions with mixed secondary growth, including palm areas, abandoned agricultural lands, and even suburban locales with remnants of natural foliage. While it can be spotted in lowlands and clearings within humid forests, it is also adaptable to elevate up to 1600 meters in some regions, maintaining a presence in various landscapes ranging from open to moderately dense vegetation.
Dite type
Frugivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Fruit
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By IshNoaj , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original