Rufous-vented Chachalaca

The Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Ortalis ruficauda, is a member of an ancient group of birdss of the Cracidae family, which are related to the Australasian mound builders. They range though tropical South America and breeds in northeast Colombia, northern Venezuela and Tobago.

Rufous-vented Chachalaca is an arboreal species but is also found in more open dry scrubby habitats. It is less dependent on forest than larger members of the family. The twig nest is built low in a tree, and three or four large white eggs are laid. The female incubates them alone.

These are medium-sized birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys, with small heads, long strong legs and a long broad tail. They are typically 53-58cm long; the female weighs 540g and the larger male 640g. They have fairly dull plumage, dark brown above and paler below. The head is grey, and the brown tail is tipped rufous or white depending on race.

Rufous-vented Chachalaca is a very noisy species. The male's call is a loud low ka-ka-rak-ka, answered by the female's high-pitched watch-a-lak. It is also a social bird, often seen in family groups. It walks along branches seeking the fruit and seeds on which it feeds, or flies off with a flap and glide.

This species is one of the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago and is featured on that county's coat of arms along with the Scarlet Ibis.

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