Grey-headed Chachalaca
Ortalis cinereiceps

f6.3 @ 1/500s, ISO:1600, Nikon D3S w 500mm


"Grey-headed Chachalaca," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The grey-headed chachalaca is a member of an ancient group of birds of the family Cracidae, which are related to the Australasian mound builders. It breeds in lowlands from eastern Honduras to northwestern Colombia (from South Chocó to the upper Atrato) at up to 1,100 m (3,600 ft) altitude. The grey-headed chachalaca is an arboreal species, found in thickets with emergent trees. The broad shallow nest is built of twigs and vines 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) up in a tree, often partially screened by vines. The female lays three or four large rough-shelled white eggs and incubates them alone. These are medium-sized birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys, with small heads, long strong legs and a long broad tail. They are typically 51 cm (20 in) long and weigh 500 g (18 oz). They have fairly dull plumage, dark brown above and paler below. The head is dark grey, and the blackish tail is tipped with pale grey-brown. The primary flight feathers are rufous.
El Valle de Anton, Panama
 
02/18/2019