The chestnut-winged chachalaca is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is endemic to Colombia.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Endemic to northern Colombia, mainly in the Caribbean lowlands and valleys such as the lower Magdalena drainage. It occupies tropical dry forests, thorny scrub, riverine gallery forests, and patches of secondary woodland. The species also frequents forest edges, plantations, and hedgerows near settlements. It often uses dense thickets for cover but forages in the subcanopy and along edges.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The chestnut-winged chachalaca is a noisy, highly social cracid often heard before it is seen, with dawn choruses that carry far across dry forests and scrub. It adapts well to secondary growth and agroforestry mosaics, where it forages in small groups. Despite being hunted locally, it persists in many human-modified landscapes. Its conspicuous chestnut primaries flash in flight and are a key field mark.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Usually found in small groups or family parties that move noisily through trees and along edges. Breeding pairs nest in simple twig platforms placed in dense vegetation or small trees, typically laying 2–3 eggs. Groups often keep contact with loud antiphonal calls at dawn and dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, raucous, rhythmic chorus often rendered as chaa-cha-LA-ca, given in antiphonal series by groups. Additional calls include harsh cackles and clucks used for contact and alarm. Vocalizations carry far and are a primary cue to presence.
Plumage
Overall olive-brown to gray-brown with paler, slightly buffy underparts; long, graduated tail with a subtle greenish gloss and paler tip; rich chestnut primaries forming a clear chestnut wing panel in flight.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits and berries from a variety of native and cultivated plants. Also takes young leaves, buds, and flowers, and occasionally small invertebrates. Feeds methodically, plucking items while walking or hopping along branches.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the subcanopy and midstory of dry forest, along forest edges, and in secondary growth. Frequently visits fruiting trees in farms, gardens, and plantations.
