Rufous-bellied Chachalaca illustration
Birdsong field guide

Rufous-bellied Chachalaca

Ortalis wagleri

A large, arboreal gamebird endemic to Western Mexico, characterized by its loud, rhythmic vocalizations and distinct reddish-brown underparts.

What it sounds like

A loud, raucous, four-syllable 'cha-cha-la-ca' rhythm, often performed in a synchronized duet or group chorus.

Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Rec. Barry Edmonston · MexicoCC BY-NC-SAXeno-canto

Field notes

  • It is endemic to the Pacific slope of Mexico, ranging from southern Sonora to northwestern Jalisco.
  • The species features bright rufous plumage on the belly and undertail coverts, which distinguishes it from the West Mexican Chachalaca.
  • Highly social birds, they typically move in noisy family groups of 6 to 15 individuals through the forest canopy.
  • Males possess an elongated, looped trachea that acts as a resonator for their loud, penetrating calls.
  • While primarily frugivorous, they are also known to consume seeds, leaves, and occasionally small invertebrates.
Habitat
Tropical deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and gallery forests.
Range
Western Mexico

Similar & commonly confused birds

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