It breeds in tropical and subtropical environments from mezquital thickets in the Rio Grande Valley in southernmost Texas, United States to northernmost Costa Rica.

Usually found in groups of up to 15 birds, the plain chachalaca is furtive and wary and prefers to escape from danger by running swiftly on the ground or leaping and gliding through brushy tangles.

The plain chachalaca feeds in trees or on the ground on fruit (figs, palms, Sapotaceae), seeds, leaves, and flowers.

The call is a loud, raucous RAW-pa-haw or cha-cha-LAW-ka, often by several birds in a rhythmical chorus, especially in early morning and evening, usually from well up in trees.

[4] It is long-necked with a small head and bare throat patch which becomes deep red in both sexes during the breeding season.

It can be found from sea-level to 1,850 m (6,070 ft)[4] The plain chachalaca is mostly diurnal and is most active in cool mornings and in the evening.

[4] When it comes to the plain chachalaca's diet, the primary plant species eaten in great volume by them include coyotillo (Karwinskia humboldtiana), Mexican ash (Fraxinus berlandieriana), pigeon-berry (Rivina humilis), and cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia).

The most frequent items of food were discovered to be small fruits and buds of pigeon-berry, followed by anacua and coyotillo berries.

Animal matter was found in only four birds and consisted of small snails, caterpillars, and a lace bug, presumably taken incidentally on plant material.W.R., Marion (1976).