Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata)

Identification & Behavior: ~50.7 cm (20 in). The Speckled Chachalaca is a miniature version of the much larger Spix’s Guan.  Brown with specks on the neck and upper breast. No conspicuous bare skin around eyes and face, reduced red dewlap and red legs. The outer tail feathers have rufous terminal broad spots. Generally found in family groups announcing their presence through loud and easily recognizable duets.

Status: The Speckled Chachalaca is widely distributed in Amazonia and the foothill of the Andes where it has been recorded at elevations of up to 1700 m. They favor forest edges and second growth of about all ages but does not enter the tall pristine forest. This species has benefited from the increasing availability of second-growth habitats.

Name in Spanish: Chachalaca Jaspeada.

Sub-species: Speckled Chachalaca (Ortalis guttata) Spix, 1825.

Meaning of Name: Ortalis: Gr. Chicken. guttata: L. gutta=spotted, speckled, or mottled.

See more of the Family Cracidae