[2] The West Mexican chachalaca was first described as Penelope poliocephala and later moved to genus Ortalis.

About two thirds of its diet is fruit, with flowers, seeds, leaves, and insects making up the rest.

[3] The West Mexican chachalaca's breeding season spans from April to August with a June-July peak.

The nest is constructed by both sexes; it is a shallow platform of sticks lined with leaves and bromeliads sited up to 5 m (16 ft) above the ground.

The West Mexican chachalaca's principal vocalization is "a group of 'gruff, throaty, rhythmic chattering, chur-uh-uh-uhr, etc'.