Guacharaca Variable
Speckled Chachalaca
Ortalis guttata
Song
Speckled Chachalaca
Appearance: The Speckled Chachalaca is a medium-sized bird with a length of about 50-55 cm. It has a rich brown plumage adorned with distinctive white spots or speckles, giving it a speckled appearance. This species also features a reddish bill red eyes, and a short, rounded tail.
Habitat: Speckled Chachalacas are typically found in forests, woodlands, and scrub habitats in various regions of Colombia, including both lowland and montane areas. They prefer dense vegetation where they can forage for fruits, seeds, and insects while remaining from predators.
Behavior: Like other Chachalaca species, Speckled Chachalacas are social birds that often move in groups or pairs. They are known for their loud calls, which help maintain contact with group members and communicate within the dense vegetation of their habitat. These birds spend much of their time foraging on the forest floor or in trees.
Breeding: Speckled Chachalacas build cup-shaped nests in trees or bushes, where they lay eggs and raise their young. Breeding pairs work together to incubate the eggs, care for the chicks, and defend their territory from potential threats during the breeding season.
Conservation Status: The Speckled Chachalaca is generally considered a species of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.
Distribution
Andean Region: This species can also be found in the Andean region of Colombia, where it may inhabit montane forests and cloud forests at different elevations. Departments such as Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindio are some areas where the Speckled Chachalaca may be present.
Magdalena Valley Region: The Speckled Chachalaca is reported to occur in the Magdalena Valley region, which includes departments like Magdalena, Tolima, and Huila. The bird may utilize the forested areas and riverine habitats found in this region.
Amazon Region: In the Amazon region of Colombia, including departments such as Putumayo and Caquetá, the Speckled Chachalaca can be found in the rich rainforests and diverse ecosystems characteristic of this area.
Eastern Plains (Llanos) Region: The Speckled Chachalaca may also be present in the Eastern Plains region of Colombia, which includes departments like Meta and Casanare. The bird may inhabit savannas, gallery forests, and transitional areas between grasslands and forests.
Taxonomy
The Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Cracidae
- Genus: Ortalis
- Species: Ortalis guttata
The specific epithet "guttata" refers to the bird's spotted or speckled plumage pattern.
Vocalization
Calls: Speckled Chachalacas produce a variety of calls that are used for different purposes. Their vocal repertoire includes loud, raucous calls that are typically heard during the dawn and dusk chorus, as well as throughout the day. These calls are essential for maintaining contact with other group members, establishing territories, and signaling alarm in response to potential threats.
Group Communication: When in groups, Speckled Chachalacas often engage in vocal exchanges that involve back-and-forth calling among individuals. This group communication helps coordinate group movements, maintain social bonds, and convey information about food sources or potential dangers in the environment.
Distinctive Sound: The vocalizations of the Speckled Chachalaca are characterized by a mix of musical tones, harsh squawks, and rattling or cackling sounds. Their calls are often described as loud and penetrating, making them easily recognizable in the dense vegetation of their habitats.
Breeding Displays: During the breeding season, male Speckled Chachalacas may intensify their vocalizations as part of courtship displays. Males can vocalize loudly to attract mates, establish dominance, and defend territories against competing males.
Alarm Calls: When threatened by predators or other disturbances, Speckled Chachalacas emit sharp, alarm calls to alert other group members and coordinate evasive actions. These alarm calls can vary in intensity and duration depending on the perceived level of threat.
