© Simon Best
© Tim Bandfield
© Joel Trick

Rufous-bellied Chachalaca Ortalis wagleri

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Identification

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Noisy, long-tailed game bird of tropical forest and edge, usually found in small groups. Endemic to west Mexico. Most often detected by its raucous song, which carries well. Feeds on ground and also high in trees, where runs along branches; eats fruit. For a big bird, can be surprisingly hard to see (wary in areas where hunted), and slips away from view quite easily. The dark rusty belly and tail tips are diagnostic. Inland from Puerto Vallarta, may hybridize with West Mexican Chachalaca.

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