The East Brazilian Chachalaca bird, scientifically known as Ortalis araucuan, is a species of bird that belongs to the family Cracidae. It is commonly found in various habitats across East Brazil, including the Atlantic forest, Pampa, and Caatinga.
The East Brazilian Chachalaca is relatively larger than other bird species within its family, with a length of approximately 48-60 centimeters. It is also known for its characteristic bright reddish-brown plumage, white throat and eye-line, and a small dark crest on its head.
These birds are social animals that typically live in small groups of between five to ten individuals. They are also known to roost together in communal nests, which they build using their strong beaks and claws, in the treetops.
The diet of the East Brazilian Chachalaca mainly consists of fruits, seeds, and occasionally insects, which they forage from the forest floor. They have a unique way of navigating through the forest, where they hop and climb through the branches whilst also using their wings to glide short distances when exploring new feeding grounds.
Despite the fact that the East Brazilian Chachalaca is classified as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is still at risk of habitat loss due to deforestation, land use change, and hunting.
Overall, the East Brazilian Chachalaca is a unique and important species that contributes to the biodiversity of the rainforests in East Brazil. We need to take necessary measures to protect this amazing bird species to ensure their survival in the long term.