chachalaca

[ chah-chuh-lah-kuh; Spanish chah-chah-lah-kah ]

noun

, plural cha·cha·la·cas [chah-ch, uh, -, lah, -k, uh, z, chah-chah-, lah, -kahs].

1. any of several slender guans of the genus Ortalis, of Central America, Mexico, and southern Texas, having loud, harsh cries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chachalaca¹

1850–55, Americanism; < Mexican Spanish < Nahuatl: to chatter, especially of birds; compare Nahuatl chachalacametl the chachalaca

Example Sentences

A pheasant-like bird called the chachalaca still perches on the Mexican plumeria tree with its delicate white blossoms.

From New York Times

“It’s better than dressing up like a chachalaca,” I say quietly.

From Literature

The loudmouthed chachalaca birds once were natural sentries, but most had been shot by the son of a neighbor whom Rios suspects of smuggling.

From Los Angeles Times

I retired to the patio early, retreating to a book, hummingbirds, a rufous-headed chachalaca wandering the railing and a heavy thunderstorm.

From Washington Post