Little chachalaca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little chachalaca |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ortalis
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| Species: |
motmot
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| Synonyms | |
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Phasianus motmot Linnaeus, 1766 |
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The little chachalaca (Ortalis motmot) is a cool bird. It belongs to a bird family called Cracidae. This family includes other birds like guans and curassows. You can find the little chachalaca in countries such as Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and Venezuela. It might also live in Colombia.
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About the Little Chachalaca's Name
The little chachalaca got its scientific name, Phasianus motmot, from a famous scientist named Carl Linnaeus in 1766. He gave many animals their scientific names. These names are special because they use a two-part system. This system is called binomial nomenclature. It helps scientists around the world know exactly which animal they are talking about.
This bird was once thought to be the same as the speckled chachalaca. It was also linked to the buff-browed chachalaca. But now, scientists know they are different species. The little chachalaca is unique and doesn't have any subspecies.
What Does a Little Chachalaca Look Like?
The little chachalaca is about 43 to 54 cm (1.4 to 1.8 ft) long. It weighs between 345 and 620 g (0.76 to 1.4 lb). Its head is a reddish-chestnut color. The top part of its body is reddish-brown to gray-brown. Its belly and chest are gray.
The middle feathers of its tail are gray-brown. The outer tail feathers are a rusty color. Its main flight feathers are dark brown. The skin on its face is a dark slate gray.
Where Do Little Chachalacas Live?
You can find the little chachalaca in several places. It lives in southern and eastern Venezuela. It also lives east through the Guianas and into northern Brazil. Its range goes south to the Amazon River, east of the Negro River.
This bird likes to live in certain types of places. It can be found in the thick plants along rivers. It also lives in clearings and old pastures. You might see it in dense secondary forest (forest that has grown back). It also likes coastal brush areas. However, it usually avoids the deep parts of very dense forests. These birds live from sea level up to about 1,700 m (5,600 ft) high.
Little Chachalaca Behavior
How Little Chachalacas Find Food
Little chachalacas look for food in trees or on the ground. They usually do this in pairs or small groups. Their main food is berries and fruits. They also enjoy eating flowers and leaves.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Scientists have seen little chachalacas laying eggs in May, September, and December. These records are from the Guianas. There isn't much information from other places.
They build a small, cup-shaped nest. They make it from roots, leaves, and sticks. The nest is usually placed fairly low in a shrub or a tree. A female little chachalaca typically lays three eggs at a time.
Little Chachalaca Sounds
The song of the little chachalaca is very noticeable. It's a loud, rolling duet. It sounds like a repeated "WATCH-a-lak." They mostly sing this song at dawn and dusk.
