The West Mexican Chachalaca bird is a species of bird found in the tropical regions of Mexico, Central America and Colombia. The scientific name of the West Mexican Chachalaca is Ortalis poliocephala and it belongs to the family Cracidae.
The West Mexican Chachalaca is a medium-sized bird with a length of 53 - 58 cm and a weight of about 800 - 1000 grams. They have a distinct crest of feathers on their head and a brownish-red and black plumage on their body. They have a bare patch of skin around their eyes and a striking bright blue beak.
The West Mexican Chachalaca is primarily found in forested areas, but they are also found in coffee plantations and agricultural fields. They prefer to live in high altitudes, such as hills, mountains, and valleys near streams and rivers.
The West Mexican Chachalaca is a social bird and usually lives in small groups of 5-15 individuals. They are active during the day and sleep on tree branches at night. They are mainly herbivores and feed on fruits, flowers, and seeds.
During the breeding season, the male West Mexican Chachalaca aggressively defends its territory. Females lay 1-3 eggs in their nests, which are built on tree branches and sometimes on the ground. The eggs are incubated by the female for 24-28 days, and the hatchlings are precocial, which means that they are born with the ability to walk and feed themselves.
The West Mexican Chachalaca is facing several threats due to habitat loss and hunting. The expansion of human settlements and agricultures are leading to the destruction of their natural habitat. Moreover, they are hunted for their flesh and eggs.
The West Mexican Chachalaca is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Nevertheless, the conservation of these birds is crucial to ensure their future survival, and it is essential to maintain their natural habitat.