From Opus

Alternative name: Variable Chachalaca

Photo by Valéry Schollaert
Manaus, Brazil

Ortalis motmot

Includes: Chestnut-headed Chachalaca

[edit] Identification

38 cm. It has a chestnut head, a red dewlap and brown wings.

[edit] Distribution

Northern Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and Venezuela.

Photo by erikat
Near AdeK University campus, Uitvlucht (Paramaribo), Suriname (click on image for larger version)

[edit] Taxonomy

Two subspecies are recognized: motmot and ruficeps (second one south of the Amazon, sometimes split as Chestnut-headed Chachalaca).

[edit] Habitat

Clearings and forest patches with dense undergrowth

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Diet

It feeds on fruit and berries both on the ground and in the trees.

[edit] Vocalisation

Most likely to be vocal just before dawn (5:30-6 am). Skulking behavior makes this species difficult to see.

Graphic by Nrg800

[edit] References

1. Clements, James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
2. Restall et al. 2006. Birds of Northern South America. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300124156

[edit] External Links