Meet the Chachalaca
The Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) is impossible to miss at Valley Nature Center. A large, turkey-like bird with a long tail and a call that carries for half a mile, the chachalaca announces itself long before you see it. Groups of 6 to 20 birds move through the VNC woodland each morning in a cacophony of synchronized calling that is one of the most distinctive sounds in all of North American birding.
Its name is onomatopoeic β "cha-cha-LAC, cha-cha-LAC" β a call that typically erupts at dawn and again at dusk as groups synchronize their displays. Standing near a calling group at VNC is a visceral, almost prehistoric experience.
The Only Member of Its Family in Texas
The Plain Chachalaca is the only member of the family Cracidae found in the United States, and it occurs naturally only in the southern tip of Texas β the Rio Grande Valley. To see a Plain Chachalaca in the United States, you essentially have to come to the Valley. This makes it one of the most sought-after birds for visiting birders and a symbol of the unique biogeographic character of South Texas.
Identification
The Plain Chachalaca is about the size of a small chicken, 20 to 24 inches long, with a small head, long neck, and long rounded tail. Plumage is olive-brown above and buff below, with a bare red throat patch visible at close range on adult males. The tail is tipped with white and chestnut, most visible in flight. Despite their size, chachalacas move through dense brush with remarkable agility.
Behavior and Social Structure
Chachalacas are highly social birds that live and travel in groups called coveys. At VNC, resident coveys have well-established territories and predictable daily routines. They typically roost high in trees overnight, descend to feed in the understory during the day, and erupt into group calling sessions at dawn and dusk. They are primarily frugivores, feeding on berries, fruits, and some insects and small invertebrates.
Chachalacas and VNC
Valley Nature Center's resident chachalacas have become accustomed to visitors over decades and often allow remarkably close approach. The woodland trail provides excellent viewing opportunities, particularly in the early morning. They are frequently the first species encountered on any VNC visit β often heard before you even reach the entrance.
VNC is open Tuesday through Friday 9amβ4pm, Saturday 9amβ5pm, and Sunday noonβ5pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children, $4 for seniors. Members visit free.
