Topic
Chachalaca
About: Chachalaca is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 13 publications have been published within this topic receiving 64 citations. The topic is also known as: the Chachalaca genus.
Papers
TL;DR: The results showed that a newly recognized population of O .
Abstract: The habits and general behaviour of the chachalacas ( Ortalis spp.) in the Neotropics are well known. However, the validity and even the diagnoses of some taxa are poorly studied, and this may jeopardize the conservation of some populations. Within Ortalis guttata two subspecies are currently accepted, the nominate O . g . guttata (Spix) and O . g . subaffinis Todd. A third taxa, O . g . remota Pinto, 1960, was described based on a single specimen from SE Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Despite appreciable differences between O . g . remota and other members of Ortalis , this taxon was considered as a synonym of O . squamata , a species restricted to the lowlands of Atlantic Forest, east of Serra do Mar. Here we performed coloration and geographical distribution analysis of O . g . remota with additional examination of the holotype and a thorough comparison of skins and photos with other members of Ortalis ( O . squamata , O . araucuan , and O . guttata ) intending to disentangle the above taxonomic puzzle. Our results showed that a newly recognized population of O . g . remota differs consistently from all other Ortalis taxa currently treated as distinct species in plumage characters and geographic distribution. Therefore, we defend that it should be considered a valid species, Ortalis remota Pinto, 1960. Ortalis remota has a very restricted range on the upper Parana River and it is threatened by deforestation and construction of dams.
77 citations
19 Mar 2020
TL;DR: Based on the available data, Ortalis m.
Abstract: The Little Chachalaca (Ortalis motmot) is a widely distributed species in the Amazon basin, typically found in riverine habitats. There are two disjunct populations: the northern O. m. motmot and the southern O. m. ruficeps (known as Chestnut-headed Chachalaca). Here we performed a vocal, morphological and plumage comparison between these two taxa. Birds present differences in tail coloration but are otherwise undiagnosable in terms of plumage. Ortalis m. ruficeps is, however, markedly smaller and lighter than O. m. motmot, with no overlap in size or weight. We also found vocal differences between O. m. motmot and O. m. ruficeps, no overlap in geographic distributions and no signs of hybridization across its range. Based on the available data, Ortalis m. ruficeps thus must be considered a valid species, endemic to Brazil.
45 citations
TL;DR: DNA sequence evidence from the 12S and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes, and from the nuclear gene that codes for the eye lens protein, alpha A-crystallin, indicate that the hoatzin is most closely related to the typical cuckoos and that the divergence occurred at or near the base of the cuculiform phylogenetic tree.
Abstract: The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) lives in the humid lowlands of northern and central South America, often in riparian habitats. It is a slender bird approximately 65 cm in length, brownish with lighter streaks and buffy tips to the long tail feathers. The small head has a ragged, bristly crest of reddish-brown feathers, and the bare skin of the face is bright blue. It resembles a chachalaca (Ortalis, Cracidae) in size and shape, but its plumage and markings are similar to those of the smaller guira cuckoo (Guira guira). The hoatzin (pronounced Watson) has been a taxonomic puzzle since it was described in 1776. It usually has been viewed as related to the gallinaceous birds, but alliances to other groups have been suggested, including the cuckoos. We present DNA sequence evidence from the 12S and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes, and from the nuclear gene that codes for the eye lens protein, alpha A-crystallin. The results indicate that the hoatzin is most closely related to the typical cuckoos and that the divergence occurred at or near the base of the cuculiform phylogenetic tree.
40 citations
4 citations
3 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |