Plain Chachalaca

Plain Chachalacas, Ortalis vetula

The Plain Chachalaca can be found in the far South Texas and is the only member of the family of guans, currasows, and chachalacas, a family which contains approximately 50 species with many of endangered status due to hunting. They are most often found in small groups of 3-5 individuals with a preference for scrubland, thickets, and forest edges. They are non-migratory and known for their loud call, especially during breeding season. Unlike most other galliform birds, the Plain Chachalaca is mostly arboreal earning it the common name Mexican Tree Pheasant. They have been known to feed upside-down to pick the ripest fruit from a tree, but will also feed at seed feeders. The precocial young can fly short distances within a week of hatching and cling to tree branches as soon as they dry.

Note: While not the best photo, there are more than five within the photo and at least one visible by tail feathers. With luck, I can provided an updated, better photo in the future.