chachalaca

[chah-chuh-lah-kuh, chah-chah-lah-kah]

noun

plural

chachalacas 

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, < 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.

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

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

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

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