Richard Moore Outdoor Report: Chachalaca Antics

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It’s dinnertime for this brand-new pair of chachalaca chicks, and the twins eagerly snatch proffered tidbits from their parents’ beaks.

Although the little rascals are only a couple of days old, they are quite capable of tagging along with the adults in search of sustenance. Chachalaca babies are precocial and able to scamper about within 24 hours of hatching.  

Sporting their distinctive Mohawk streak of black feathering down the back of their necks, this pair of youngsters waits patiently tucked up against the backyard fence while mom and dad take a break atop the garden. 

Even while the female indulges in a little personal grooming, she keeps a watchful eye on her offspring below. 

When she does return to her babies, the duo quickly reunites. In late afternoon light gleaming white egg tooth of the young chachalaca is quite visible, that is, until he tucks under mom’s tail feathers.  

It takes a little while for them to settle in, and one occasionally arises for repositioning as the other pokes its head up for a peek. 

Just when it seems all is quiet, both youngsters suddenly pop up and peer inquisitively about. 

However, their vigilance is brief, and they soon sink back into the comfort of their mother’s feathers. 

Meanwhile, atop the garden stretch three chachalaca tails. The tails belong to triplets that were hatched earlier this summer, and even at their advanced age, still receive attentive grooming from their parents. 

Chachalacas regularly double clutch, but it is a remarkable feat to successfully raise two broods in this Brownsville backyard, as vulnerable chicks easily fall prey to feral cats.

However, the youngsters mature rapidly and every day become more independent. Soon, they will be scampering through the branches on their own

But right now it is time to snuggle into mom’s feathers and take a South Texas siesta.