About Ortalis ruficauda Jardine, 1847
Ortalis ruficauda Jardine, 1847, commonly known as the rufous-vented chachalaca, is a species of medium-sized bird. These birds have a general appearance similar to turkeys, with small heads, long strong legs, and a long broad tail. Adults are typically 53 to 58 cm long; females weigh 540 g, while males are larger and weigh 640 g. Their plumage is fairly dull: they are dark brown on their upper bodies and paler on their under bodies. Their heads are grey, and the brown tail is tipped rufous or white, depending on the bird’s race. The rufous-vented chachalaca is a largely arboreal species. It can be found in forest and woodland habitats, and it also occurs in more open dry scrubby areas. Compared to larger members of its family, notably curassows, this species is far less vulnerable to threats, due to its wider range of occupied habitats combined with relatively low hunting pressure.
