The rufous-bellied chachalaca is a species of bird in the family Cracidae, the chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is endemic to western Mexico.
Region
Western Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific slope in tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, and semi-deciduous woodlands, often near river corridors and foothill ravines. It readily uses secondary growth, hedgerows, and edges of orchards and plantations. Birds typically stay in the mid-story to canopy but also descend to feed on fallen fruit. It can tolerate moderately disturbed landscapes if fruiting trees and cover remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This chachalaca forms noisy, social groups that deliver loud dawn choruses carrying far through dry forests. It is an important seed disperser, feeding on a wide variety of fruits and helping regenerate native vegetation. Though locally hunted, it adapts to secondary growth and agricultural edges better than many forest birds.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; prefers to clamber through branches
Social Behavior
Usually found in family parties or small flocks that forage together and roost communally in trees. Nests are shallow twig platforms placed in dense foliage. Breeding often aligns with the onset of rains; clutches are small, and parents guard the nest area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, raucous chattering and repeated cha-cha-lac phrases, often delivered in chorus at dawn and dusk. Calls carry over long distances and serve to keep groups coordinated and advertise territories.
Plumage
Overall olive-brown to gray-brown upperparts with a distinctly rufous belly and vent; long, broad tail often showing buff to pale tips. Throat is paler and slightly mottled, with fine scaling on the neck. Feathers are soft and loose, giving a slightly shaggy look on the neck and chest.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits and berries from native trees and shrubs, including figs and other fleshy fruits. Also takes tender leaves, flowers, buds, and shoots, and occasionally seeds. Insects may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet. By passing seeds, it aids forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and mid-story of dry forest, riparian corridors, and edges of secondary growth. Regularly visits orchards, hedgerows, and clearings to feed on cultivated and wild fruits, and sometimes feeds on fallen fruit on the ground under trees.
