The Plain Chachalaca is the voice of the Rio Grande Valley — a large, turkey-like bird whose raucous "cha-cha-LAC" call fills the VNC woodland every morning. It is the only member of the family Cracidae found in the United States, occurring naturally only in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Resident coveys at VNC have become accustomed to visitors and often allow remarkably close approach.
Year-Round ResidentRGV SpecialtyEasy to SpotNoisy
About This Bird
Did You Know?
The chachalaca's name is onomatopoeic — it's literally the sound the bird makes. Groups synchronize their calls at dawn and dusk in one of the most distinctive sounds in all of North American birding.
Field Notes
Diet
Berries, fruits, seeds, some insects
Range
Lower Rio Grande Valley only
Nesting
Platform nest in dense brush
Social
Lives in groups of 6–20
Call
Loud "cha-cha-LAC" in chorus
Tolerance
Highly heat tolerant
Birding Tips at VNC
- Listen for loud calling at dawn — follow the sound to find the covey
- Look in dense brush along the VNC woodland trail early morning
- Groups often feed on the ground — scan low before looking up
- The red throat patch is visible at close range on adult males
See These Birds in Person
Valley Nature Center is open Tue–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm. Admission $3–$6. Members free.
Plan Your Visit →