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Ortalis guttata
The Speckled Chachalaca is a member of the family Crassidae, a close relative to Curassows. This turkey-like bird is mostly arboreal and it usually travels in pairs or trios. Their social nature and arboreal behaviour are great indicators for identifying the species, since other Chachalacas look very similar. They range throghout most of the Amazonian Rainforest and other patches of tropical areas around South America. In recent years, it has spread widely due to its tolerance and resistance to disturbed habitats and fragmentation, along with their relatively small size. Their most noteworthy feature is the flap of skin beneath their beaks.
Tropical Rainforest
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Since I don't know that area this might help you.
Similar Species
Colombian Chachalaca is similar to Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata), but these two species are completely allopatric: Colombian Chachalaca is restricted to the Cauca and Magdalena Valleys, whereas Speckled Chachalaca occurs in Amazonia and on the foothills of the Eastern Andes. Additionally, Colombian Chachalaca has more extensive pale scaling on the breast and belly, compared to the stippled white marks of Speckled Chachalaca (Donegan et al. 2010).
Thank you Ashley and Jellis, I was able to find the specific species of this bird thanks to you.
Spotted on Jan 7, 2016
Submitted on Jan 14, 2016
