Guacharaca Guajira
Rufous-vented Chachalaca
Ortalis ruficauda
Song
Rufous-vented Chachalaca
Appearance: The Rufous-vented Chachalaca is a medium-sized bird with a body length of approximately 48-51 cm. It has a primarily brown plumage, with a rufous-colored vent (lower part of the abdomen) that contrasts with the rest of its body. The bird features a long tail, a small crest on its head, and red or orange bare skin around its eyes and throat. Its bill is short and stout, adapted for feeding on fruits, seeds, and vegetation.
Habitat: The Rufous-vented Chachalaca is typically found in humid forests, forest edges, and secondary growth habitats. It prefers areas with dense vegetation where it can find food, roost, and nest.
Behavior: This species is known for its loud and distinctive vocalizations, including calls used for communication within groups and establishing territories. Rufous-vented Chachalacas are primarily arboreal, spending much of their time in trees and shrubs foraging for fruits, seeds, and insects. They are social birds and often seen in small groups or family units.
Breeding: Breeding season for Rufous-vented Chachalacas typically coincides with periods of abundant food availability. Nests are usually constructed in trees or bushes, where females will lay eggs. Both parents share nest-building duties, incubation of eggs, and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: In Colombia, the Rufous-vented Chachalaca is classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
Andean Region: The Rufous-vented Chachalaca can be found in the Andean region of Colombia, including the Western, Central, and Northern Andes. This includes departments such as Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindio, Valle del Cauca, and others in the Andean foothills.
Pacific Coast: Along the Pacific coast of Colombia, particularly in the department of Chocó, the Rufous-vented Chachalaca inhabits the coastal lowlands and foothills, where it can be found in humid forests and forest edges.
Magdalena Valley: The bird also occurs in parts of the Magdalena River valley, spanning departments such as Tolima, Huila, and Cundinamarca, where it inhabits forested areas and perhaps some agricultural landscapes.
Eastern Andes: In certain areas of the Eastern Andes of Colombia, including departments like Boyacá and Meta, populations of the Rufous-vented Chachalaca can also be found in suitable habitats.
Northern Colombia: The bird has been recorded in regions of northern Colombia, including areas within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Guajira Peninsula, where it may inhabit forests and scrublands.
Taxonomy
The Rufous-vented Chachalaca (Ortalis ruficauda)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Cracidae
- Genus: Ortalis
- Species: Ortalis ruficauda
Vocalization
Chachalaca Call: The bird's namesake call is a series of repeated, loud, and rhythmic vocalizations that sound like "chachalaca-chachalaca-chachalaca." This call is often heard in the early morning or late afternoon and serves to establish territories, communicate with group members, and warn of potential threats.
Squawk or Screech: In addition to the chachalaca call, the Rufous-vented Chachalaca can produce harsh squawks or screeches, especially when alarmed or during aggressive interactions with other birds or predators. These calls are sharp and piercing, serving as alarm signals to the group.
Whistled Notes: The bird can also produce melodic and whistled notes, sometimes used in softer communication with mates or young within the group. These calls may vary in pitch and length, adding complexity to the bird's vocal repertoire.
Contact Calls: Rufous-vented Chachalacas use softer contact calls to maintain cohesion within the group, especially when foraging in dense vegetation or when family members are spread out. These calls are gentler and serve to keep the group together.
Duetting: During the breeding season, male and female Rufous-vented Chachalacas may engage in duetting, where they alternate calls or vocalizations in a coordinated manner. This behavior often reinforces pair bonds and can be a part of courtship displays.
