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Ortalis vetula
Large birds in the family Cracidae that are found in southern Texas in the Rio Grande Valley thru eastern Mexico to central America. Probably a mating pair. Sexes are similar with males being slightly larger. Pic 3 shows them bedded down with a juvenile.
Spotted in a forest opening at the National Butterfly Center. They can be found in both dry and moist forests, especially if the forest contains scrub and savanna.
Spotted on Nov 14, 2020
Submitted on Dec 31, 2020
5 Comments
Thank you, Mauna.
Lovely photos, Brian!
Thank you Sukanya and Mel. Yes, a crazy common name and one that has more letters (in total) than the scientific name. It's also funny that "Plain" is in front of it. This must be the most plain-looking of all the Chachalacas.
Nice photos and Sukanya's comment did make me chuckle. What a great start to the New Year!
I love the name...it has got into my head...chacalaka....chakalaka...o dear!