Colombian Chachalaca vs Plain Chachalaca

Colombian Chachalaca

Ortalis columbiana

How to recognise a Colombian chachalaca?

General appearance

The Colombian chachalaca is an average-sized bird with a length ranging from 55-60 cm. It has a largely olive-brown coloration with shades of chestnut along the belly and tail. Its head and neck are grayish-black giving it a unique look. They're well-known for a long, broad tail, and strong legs equipped with sharp claws.

Male vs female

Both males and females are similar in coloration with the males having a slightly larger body. Females appear to have a little more greenish sheen and less chestnut color on the belly. Males also usually have a more robust vocal performance, particularly during mating season.

Juvenile

Juveniles also resemble the adults in terms of coloration, but they are duller with less brilliance in their feathers. Their overall size is smaller and they usually have less chestnut color visible on their belly. They also have a grayer throat. As they mature, they gradually acquire the distinctive hues of the adults.

Size

20.5 - 21.7 in/17.6 - 21.2 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Colombian chachalaca is native to North West South America, mainly in the dry forests, scrub, and secondary growths of Colombia.

Additional range

Unexpectedly, this species can also inhabit urban parks and gardens, adapting to human-altered environments.

Range Map

What do Colombian chachalacas like to eat?

Natural diet

The Colombian chachalaca primarily feeds on a diverse range of fruits, seeds, and flowers found in its natural habitat. It has a preference for ripe fruits which provide essential nutrients. This bird also consumes leaves and small invertebrates, such as insects, that supplement its diet with protein and vitamins. The chachalacas play a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing to the ecosystem's health.

Bird feeders

While the Colombian chachalaca is not commonly observed at bird feeders, it may occasionally visit those offering fruits. Feeders stocked with bananas, papaya, or other tropical fruits are more likely to attract this species, especially if natural food sources are scarce. They might also consume seeds or grains found at feeders, but this behavior is less typical compared to smaller bird species.

There's more to learn about Colombian Chachalaca

View full details

Plain Chachalaca

Ortalis vetula

How to recognise a plain chachalaca?

General appearance

The Plain Chachalaca bears a size resembling a Crow or a Mallard. It has a massive structure, having a length of 18-21 inches and a wingspan of approximately 26 inches. Characterized by a small head and large, long tail feathers, the bird predominantly carries an olive-brown hue which progressively becomes grayer on the head and buff on the belly. The tail feathers are black, contrasting with white tips. It also may display hints of red on the throat area.

Male vs female

Generally, male and female Plain Chachalacas appear quite similar, making it challenging to distinguish between the sexes based on physical traits. However, males sometimes may carry a slightly more vibrant red coloration on the throat area compared to females, especially during the mating season. Detailed scrutiny or behavioral observation may be required for accurate sex determination.

Juvenile

Juvenile Chachalacas bear a resemblance to the adults, though they may be slightly smaller in size. Their coloration may seem less vibrant as they generally exhibit a duller plumage. The characteristic red on the throat area may also be underdeveloped or absent during early stages of growth.

Size

18.9 - 22.8 in/11.2 - 24.2 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The plain chachalaca is typically found in south Texas, preferring subtropical woodlands around water bodies like ponds, resacas, and riverbanks. They commonly inhabit native woodlands of ebony, hackberry, huisache, and mesquite.

Additional range

Apart from their primary habitat, plain chachalacas can occasionally be found around edges of overgrown orchards and in the well-wooded suburbs of Rio Grande Valley towns.

Range Map

What do plain chachalacas like to eat?

Natural diet

The plain chachalaca primarily consumes a vegetarian diet, particularly in south Texas. Its natural food sources include various parts of plants such as berries, leaves, buds, seeds, and flowers. Notably, it feeds on the berries of coyotillo, pigeonberry, and hackberry, among others. Though predominantly plant-eaters, they occasionally consume insects and snails.

Bird feeders

In areas where plain chachalacas are accustomed to human presence, especially in specific parks, they often come to feeders for additional food. They are known to eat birdseed and might also consume items like popcorn, bread, and other types of food considered junk food.

What does a plain chachalaca sound like?

The plain chachalaca produces loud, raucous cha-cha-lac calls that can be heard often at dawn and dusk. These calls are typically produced in chorus, with the male's call being lower pitched than the female's. In terms of call pattern, it is simple and flat, often with a falling tone. The call type is a mixture of croak/quack and raucous sounds.

Song

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

There's more to learn about Plain Chachalaca

View full details

Colombian Chachalaca

Tap To compare

Plain Chachalaca

Colombian Chachalaca

Ortalis columbiana

General appearance

The Colombian chachalaca is an average-sized bird with a length ranging from 55-60 cm. It has a largely olive-brown coloration with shades of chestnut along the belly and tail. Its head and neck are grayish-black giving it a unique look. They're well-known for a long, broad tail, and strong legs equipped with sharp claws.

Male vs female

Both males and females are similar in coloration with the males having a slightly larger body. Females appear to have a little more greenish sheen and less chestnut color on the belly. Males also usually have a more robust vocal performance, particularly during mating season.

Juvenile

Juveniles also resemble the adults in terms of coloration, but they are duller with less brilliance in their feathers. Their overall size is smaller and they usually have less chestnut color visible on their belly. They also have a grayer throat. As they mature, they gradually acquire the distinctive hues of the adults.

Size

20.5 - 21.7 in/17.6 - 21.2 oz

There's more to learn about Colombian Chachalaca

View full details

Plain Chachalaca

Ortalis vetula

General appearance

The Plain Chachalaca bears a size resembling a Crow or a Mallard. It has a massive structure, having a length of 18-21 inches and a wingspan of approximately 26 inches. Characterized by a small head and large, long tail feathers, the bird predominantly carries an olive-brown hue which progressively becomes grayer on the head and buff on the belly. The tail feathers are black, contrasting with white tips. It also may display hints of red on the throat area.

Male vs female

Generally, male and female Plain Chachalacas appear quite similar, making it challenging to distinguish between the sexes based on physical traits. However, males sometimes may carry a slightly more vibrant red coloration on the throat area compared to females, especially during the mating season. Detailed scrutiny or behavioral observation may be required for accurate sex determination.

Juvenile

Juvenile Chachalacas bear a resemblance to the adults, though they may be slightly smaller in size. Their coloration may seem less vibrant as they generally exhibit a duller plumage. The characteristic red on the throat area may also be underdeveloped or absent during early stages of growth.

Size

18.9 - 22.8 in/11.2 - 24.2 oz

There's more to learn about Plain Chachalaca

View full details

How to tell the Colombian Chachalaca from the Plain Chachalaca

Visual differences

The Colombian Chachalaca is generally larger, reaching lengths of 22-24 inches, compared to the Plain Chachalaca's 18-21 inches. The Colombian variety features olive-brown plumage with chestnut on the belly and tail, grayish-black head, and neck, whereas the Plain Chachalaca turns gray on the head and buff on the belly, with black tail feathers tipped in white. The Plain Chachalaca may have occasional red on the throat. Both have long tails, but their head colors and belly patterns are key visual differentiators.

Key differences and behavior

The Colombian and Plain Chachalacas exhibit distinct behaviors and habitat preferences. Colombian Chachalacas are typically found in Colombia's dry forests, adapting to urban areas, and prefer perching in trees, with loud group calls critical for attracting mates and defining territory. They primarily consume fruits, seeds, and play notable roles in seed dispersal; human food interaction is occasional. In contrast, Plain Chachalacas are native to South Texas, preferring subtropical woodlands close to water. Their morning and evening calls, along with weather-predictive behaviors, are distinguishing. Their diet leans towards vegetarian, consuming local berries and occasionally visiting feeders for assorted treats. Nesting styles differ too, with Plain Chachalacas nesting higher and close to water compared to the Colombian counterpart, which uses low shrubs or trees. Both species contribute significantly to local ecosystems through their feeding habits.

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

Colombian Chachalaca vs Chachalaca

Colombian Chachalaca

Chachalaca

Learn the difference

Plain Chachalaca vs Wild Turkey

Plain Chachalaca

Wild Turkey

Learn the difference

Colombian Chachalaca or Plain Chachalaca?

Colombian Chachalaca

How to recognise a Colombian chachalaca?

Habitat

What do Colombian chachalacas like to eat?

There's more to learn about Colombian Chachalaca

Plain Chachalaca

How to recognise a plain chachalaca?

Habitat

What do plain chachalacas like to eat?

What does a plain chachalaca sound like?

Song

There's more to learn about Plain Chachalaca

Colombian Chachalaca

There's more to learn about Colombian Chachalaca

Plain Chachalaca

There's more to learn about Plain Chachalaca

How to tell the Colombian Chachalaca from the Plain Chachalaca

Visual differences

Key differences and behavior

Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!

Colombian Chachalaca vs Chachalaca

Colombian Chachalaca

Chachalaca

Plain Chachalaca vs Wild Turkey

Plain Chachalaca

Wild Turkey

Colombian Chachalaca vs [Select a bird]

Colombian Chachalaca

[Select a bird]

Plain Chachalaca vs [Select a bird]

Plain Chachalaca

[Select a bird]