The chachalaca is a species of bird found in southern Texas and parts of Central and South America. These noisy birds are known for their loud, raucous calls that have been described as repetitive and cacophonous. So what exactly does the chachalaca’s call sound like? Read on to learn more about the sounds this bird makes.
Description of the Chachalaca
The chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) is a medium-sized bird in the Cracidae family along with guans and curassows. It has a long tail and legs with plumage that is brown above and pale gray below. The chachalaca ranges from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to as far south as Ecuador, usually inhabiting forests and woodlands.
Chachalacas are social, gregarious birds that travel in small flocks while foraging. They spend much of their time in trees and bushes but will descend to the ground to look for fallen fruit and seeds. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds and leaves.
The Chachalaca’s Call
The most distinctive trait of the chachalaca is its loud call. The bird uses its call to communicate with other members of its flock and to delineate its territory. The call is described as loud, raucous, and repetitive, consisting of a series of short, two-syllable sounds.
When vocalizing, the chachalaca repeatedly utters a sound that can be transcribed as “cha-cha-LA-ca-ca-ca”. It repeats this loud call up to hundreds of times in a row. The first part of the call sounds like “cha-cha” while the second part is emphasized and sounds like “LA”.
This species engages in antiphonal calling, where birds in a flock take turns vocalizing. The result is a constant stream of “cha-cha-LA-ca” calls resounding through the chachalacas’ range. The calls have been likened to the sound of a rusty pump handle squeaking or a flock of guineafowl.
Pitch and Volume
The chachalaca’s call is high-pitched, often between 2000-4000 Hz. The “LA” syllable is the loudest, reaching up to 90 decibels in volume, which is similar to the noise level of a lawn mower. The alternating pattern of soft “cha-cha” sounds and loud “LA” sounds gives the call its unique rhythm.
When Chachalacas Call
Chachalacas are especially vocal in the mornings and evenings. Their calls can be heard resonating through the trees starting before dawn as they announce their territory. They continue calling throughout the day with particular intensity around roosting and feeding times.
In captivity, chachalacas may call loudly when anticipating food or to express excitement. The birds call year-round but may vocalize more frequently during the breeding season. Their gregarious nature means that even a lone chachalaca in captivity may vocalize extensively.
Purpose of the Call
The chachalaca’s repetitive call serves several important purposes:
Territory Defense
The loud calls are thought to be primarily a territory advertisement and defense mechanism. Chachalacas stake out and defend a feeding territory for their flock. By calling loudly and incessantly, they alert other chachalacas in the area that the territory is occupied. The calls essentially say “Keep out!” to potential trespassers.
Maintaining Contact
With their dense forest habitat, chachalacas rely on vocalizations to maintain contact with flock members as they forage. Their raucous calls allow them to locate one another within their territory. The antiphonal pattern helps flock members ascertain each other’s positions.
Attracting Mates
Increased calling during breeding season may also help chachalacas in attracting mates. Their loud vocalizations advertise an individual’s fitness. The male’s persistent calling displays his stamina and health to potential partners.
Variation Between Populations
While the basic quality and rhythm of the chachalaca call remains the same across their distribution, some variations exist between different geographic populations:
Number of Syllables
In some Central American populations, chachalaca calls consist of three or even four syllables instead of two. For example, “cha-cha-cha-LA” or “cha-cha-cha-cha-LA”.
Pitch
The pitch of the call seems to vary slightly in different subspecies. In parts of their range, the “LA” syllable may be lower pitched than the “cha” introductory notes.
Emphasis
Some populations place more emphasis on the first “cha” syllable, so their call sounds like “CHA-cha-LA”. Others emphasize the final “LA” syllable even more strongly.
Speed
Chachalacas in Central America seem to call at a faster tempo than those in South America, cramming more notes into each call.
So while the basic quality of the vocalization remains consistent, regional dialects exist across the chachalaca’s distribution. More research is needed to fully understand these geographic variations.
Mimicry By Other Species
The chachalaca’s loud, unique call makes it prone to mimicry by other bird species. Some birds remarkably imitate its vocalization, including:
– Montezuma oropendola
– Chestnut-headed oropendola
– Orange-billed sparrow
– Rufous-collared sparrow
These species mimic the chachalaca, often replacing part of the call with their own vocalizations. This may allow them to deter potential predators or perhaps take advantage of the chachalaca’s territorial displays. Further research is needed on the function of this vocal mimicry.
Cultural Significance
The noisy chachalaca has made its way into human culture within its range. Some examples include:
Folklore
– In a Maya folk tale, the chachalaca earned its noisy voice by disturbing a king’s sleep.
Literature
– Nobel Prize winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez referenced the bird’s call in his novel *One Hundred Years of Solitude*.
Popular Culture
– Cities like Oaxaca de Juárez in Mexico celebrate the chachalaca through art including sculptures, alebrijes, and more.
– Costa Rica named the chachalaca its national bird due to its ubiquity.
So this vocal species has permeated regional culture in distinct ways tied to its noisy personality.
Conclusion
With its loud, repetitive “cha-cha-LA-ca” vocalization, the chachalaca is one of the noisiest birds in the American tropics. Its calls serve to defend territories, maintain flock contact, and attract mates. Variations exist between different geographic populations in factors like tempo, pitch, and emphasis. The chachalaca’s sounds are so iconic that other species mimic them, and they have worked their way into regional folklore and culture. So the next time you’re in the Neotropics, listen for the unique din of the chachalaca!