The chestnut-headed chachalaca is a bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Eastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest)
Typical Environment
Occurs in remnants of lowland and foothill Atlantic Forest, especially along forest edges, secondary growth, and gallery forests. Frequently uses cocoa and shade-coffee agroforests and fruiting trees near human-modified landscapes. Prefers dense cover for roosting and nesting but ventures to canopy and edges to feed. Tolerates some disturbance where forest patches remain connected. Local presence is tied to availability of fruiting trees and safe understory corridors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Chestnut-headed chachalacas are medium-sized, tree-dwelling members of the Cracidae that form noisy dawn choruses. They are important seed dispersers in Atlantic Forest ecosystems and often visit fruiting trees near forest edges. Family groups move through the midstory with stealth, flushing only when pressed. Habitat loss and fragmentation can affect local numbers.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small family parties or loose groups moving through midstory and edge vegetation. Pairs maintain simple stick-platform nests concealed in dense foliage. Cooperative vigilance within groups helps detect predators. Vocal choruses at dawn reinforce group cohesion and territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, raucous series of chattering notes often rendered as “cha-cha-lac-a,” given in overlapping group duets and choruses at first light. Also utters harsh scolds and clucks while foraging.
Plumage
Overall earthy brown with a warmer chestnut-toned head and nape; body often shows subtle scaling or edging on the breast and belly. Throat paler and slightly buff, with softer, loose-textured body feathers typical of chachalacas. Tail long and broad with slightly paler tips.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits and berries, complemented by tender leaves, buds, and flowers. Will take seeds and occasionally small invertebrates, especially during the dry season when fruit is scarce. Plays a key role in seed dispersal by passing intact seeds. Foraging often involves deliberate picking in the canopy and midstory.
Preferred Environment
Frequents fruiting trees along forest edges, secondary growth, and riverine strips. Regular in shaded agroforestry systems and orchards adjacent to native forest remnants.
