The name Chaco Chachalaca (Ortalis canicollis) is derived from a combination of its geographic habitat and the onomatopoeic name for its loud, raucous vocalisations. Chaco refers to the Gran Chaco biogeographic region in south-central South America (covering parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil), which is the bird's primary habitat. Chachalaca is an onomatopoeia—a word that imitates the sound of the bird's call, which often sounds like "cha-cha-lac!" or a four-noted, loud cackle. Native to the Gran Chaco region of south-central South America, covering parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and potentially Uruguay, it is highly adaptable and inhabits a variety of wooded landscapes, predominantly at low elevations. While usually in small groups, they can gather in huge, "organized" flocks of up to 150 birds to feed on agricultural land. They are known to wake up the Pantanal with incredibly loud, coordinated morning songs that can be heard from over 0.5 km away.
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