AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ortalis cinereiceps
Grey-headed Chachalaca
(Gray, GR, 1867)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized chicken-like bird with a long tail, olive-brown plumage, a distinct slate-grey head and neck, and bare pinkish facial skin around the eyes.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Galliformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cracidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ortalis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Gray, GR, 1867)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits humid lowlands, secondary forests, dense thickets, and forest edges, ranging from Honduras through Central America to northwestern Colombia.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly social and arboreal bird that travels in noisy family groups of 6 to 12 individuals. It prefers leaping from branch to branch rather than flying long distances, and routinely dust-bathes on the ground.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Lives in tightly-knit, small flocks or extended family units. They share roosting trees and coordinate their vocal displays collectively to warn of intruders.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Arboreal frugivore and folivore / omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Mainly a herbivore/frugivore eating fruits, berries, leaves, and flowers, but supplements its diet with insects. It serves as prey for large birds of prey, small wild felines, and large arboreal snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Builds a fragile, shallow nest made of sticks, vines, and leaves hidden in dense foliage. The female typically lays 2 to 3 large eggs, which she incubates alone, while the male remains nearby to guard the nesting area.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
48.0 - 54.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
400 g - 650 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
22 - 24
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males8 - 12 Years
Females8 - 12 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Features large, strong feet and long toes that provide exceptional grip, allowing it to run and climb agilely through tangled branches and tree canopies.
Highly developed vocal cords used for loud, synchronized group calling to assert territory and communicate across thick foliage.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened primarily by habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and localized subsistence hunting, although it tolerates degraded habitats relatively well.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Famous for its loud, grating chorus calls that echo through the forest at dawn, where groups answer each other in a synchronized, rhythmic racket.