Cracidae – Chachalacas, Curassows & Guans

The family known as Cracidae (Guans, Curassows & Chachalacas) along with Megapodiidae (Megapodes), Numididae (Guineafowl), Odontophoridae (New World Quails) and Phasianidae (Partridges, Pheasants, Grouse & Allies) are Galliformes, one of the largest of bird orders.

These are species of tropical and subtropical Central and South America and Mexico. One species, the Plain Chachalaca Ortalis vetula, reaches as far north as southern Texas, USA. Two species, the Trinidad Piping Guan Pipile pipile and the Rufous-vented Chachalaca Ortalis ruficauda occur on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago respectively.

Cracids are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. Many species are fairly long-tailed, which may be an aide to navigating their largely arboreal existence.

White-bellied Chachalaca Ortalis leucogastra – ©Dubi Shapiro

They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colourful facial ornaments. The Dusky-legged Guan Penelope obscura, for example, is a large guan with a long tail and red throat wattle. Dark brown overall with an olive tinge to the upperparts and warmer brown belly. Unlike most other members of its genus, Dusky-legged has dull greyish legs.

Dusky-legged Guan Penelope obscura – ©Dubi Shapiro

The Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata, is typical of this genus. It is a large chickenlike bird, but smaller than guans and curassows. It is plain brown with a scaly neck and head, and bare red skin on throat, although that can be difficult to see. Most commonly found in forest edge habitats, including along rivers and around agricultural areas. Loud, raucous calls are often heard around dawn and dusk, when the calls of one individual often initiate a chorus of calls from other chachalacas in the area.

Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata – ©Dubi Shapiro

The birds in this family are particularly vocal, with the chachalacas taking their name from the sound of their call. Cracids range in size from the Little Chachalaca Ortalis motmot to the Great Curassow Crax rubra, at nearly 1m and 4.3kg.

Black Curassow Crax alector – ©Dubi Shapiro

They feed on fruit, insects and worms. They build nests in trees, and lay two to three large white eggs, which only the female incubates. The young are precocial and are born with an instinct to immediately climb and seek refuge in the nesting tree. They are able to fly within days of hatching.