Guacharaca Cabecirrufa
Rufous-headed Chachalaca
Ortalis erythroptera
Song
Rufous-headed Chachalaca
Appearance: The Rufous-headed Chachalaca is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance: It has a rufous head, neck, and breast, contrasting with its grayish-brown back and wings. The belly is pale and the vent area is rufous. This species has a long, heavy bill; a red eye; and red legs.
Habitat: The Rufous-headed Chachalaca inhabits various forested habitats, including: Tropical and subtropical moist forests. Forest edges, especially near clearings and riverbanks. Lowland and foothill forests, up to an elevation of around 1,200 meters. It prefers dense vegetation for cover and feeding opportunities.
Behavior: Rufous-headed Chachalacas are social birds that typically move in small groups or family units: They are predominantly arboreal, roosting and foraging in trees. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds, leaves, and insects. They are known for their loud vocalizations that serve to establish territories, communicate with group members, and warn of danger. These birds are generally active during the day, foraging in the canopy or on the forest floor.
Breeding: Breeding behaviors of the Rufous-headed Chachalaca in Colombia may include: Nesting in trees or shrubs, where females lay clutches of eggs. Both parents likely participate in nest-building, incubation, and caring for the young. Breeding activities may peak during the rainy season, when food resources are more abundant. The species may engage in courtship displays and mate selection rituals.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Rufous-headed Chachalaca in Colombia is of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
Taxonomy
The Rufous-headed Chachalaca (Ortalis erythroptera)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Cracidae
- Genus: Ortalis
- Species: Ortalis erythroptera
Vocalization
Chacha-lac Call: The most characteristic vocalization of the Rufous-headed Chachalaca is its loud and repetitive "chacha-lac" call, from which it derives its common name. This call is often heard throughout the day and serves to maintain contact between group members and to establish territory boundaries.
Alarm Call: When sensing danger or perceiving a threat, the Rufous-headed Chachalaca emits a rapid and intense series of harsh, high-pitched notes to alert others in the vicinity. This alarm call helps warn other members of the group about potential predators.
Breeding Calls: During the breeding season, male Rufous-headed Chachalacas may produce distinct calls to attract mates and establish dominance. These calls can be more elaborate and varied compared to their regular vocalizations, serving to court females and deter rival males.
Group Communication: Within a group or flock, Rufous-headed Chachalacas use a range of softer clucks, chatters, and low cooing sounds to communicate with each other. These sounds help coordinate group movements, maintain cohesion, and reinforce social bonds among group members.
Dawn and Dusk Choruses: Particularly during dawn and dusk, Rufous-headed Chachalacas may engage in choruses where multiple individuals in a group vocalize together, creating a cacophony of calls that can be quite loud and persistent during these times of day.
