Speckled Chachalaca

In Ecuador, the Speckled Chachalaca inhabits lowland Amazonian forests, favoring riparian zones, forest edges, and floodplain thickets while generally avoiding dense terra firme interiors. It is a resident species and locally common, with the nominate subspecies present in the eastern part of the country. Although its population trend is unknown, the species is assessed as Least Concern due to its broad range and presumed stable numbers. Social and vocal, it forages in small flocks within the subcanopy and understory, feeding on fruits and leaves while contributing to seed dispersal in tropical ecosystems.