The Plain Chachalaca is a large species of bird related to Curassows and Guans. Plain Chachalacas are found in eastern parts of Mexico and Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Their northernmost range finds them in the very southern part of Texas in the United States.
Plain Chachalacas are known for their tendency to run across the ground or scurry away from potential danger rather than fly. They are also known for their extremely loud (and some say obnoxious) song, which sounds like cha-cha-lac. This song is what gives the bird its name.
The Plain Chachalaca has a conservation status of Least Concern as of July 2013. They have a large natural range and the global population trend for the species is considered to be stable.