They're Here!

Last week the chachalaca’s started showing up here at the refuge.





In the US the Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) is only found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They are VERY LOUD and a lot of fun to watch.

We usually don’t see just one. They are named for the ear-splitting chorus a flock makes. The loud cha-cha-lac-a call is most commonly heard during the morning hours, and increases considerably during the February-March breeding season.



They are a pretty big bird (22 inches) with a small head.





The End!