Mitos y Leyendas: The Legend of the Chajá Bird

• Mitos y Leyendas shares the legend of the Chajá Bird.
• It’s a story of bravery and love.
• Genny de Bernardo also shares features of this bird to better understand this legend.

Before diving into the legend of the Chajá bird, Genny provides information about it. It is a wading bird found in the south of South America with several distinctive features:

It is a medium-sized bird covered in lead-gray feathers. Its neck has lines of black feathers forming a collar, and on its back, two white spots stand out.

Furthermore, it has spurs on its wings and a crest on its nape, making it easy to identify. This bird mainly inhabits wet places, like swamps, as well as riverbanks and streams.

It feels comfortable in areas where water is abundant. Chajás are known for their strong bond as a couple. They are hunted alive and in pairs since if they are separated, they might die due to sadness from the separation.

Features of this bird

Chajá pairs show great affection and mutual care, even when one of them is ill, the other stays close and tries to help.

Nest construction and chick care: Nest construction and chick care are joint activities.

Both the male and the female participate in the nest construction and take turns incubating the eggs.

Once the chicks are born, both take care of them. The female is responsible for protection, and the male provides them with food and defends them.

Bird lookout

The Chajá is a very vigilant bird and is always on the alert for any sign of danger. When it detects a threat, it takes flight and emits a characteristic cry that has named the species.

These birds are skilled flyers and can stay airborne for long periods, circling high above.

They are also known to chase birds of prey, making them excellent guardians of chicken coops and herds, sometimes replacing the role of a watchdog.

The Chajá can be easily tamed and comes to recognize its owner and the people of the house, making it a species that can live closely with humans. Despite its relationship with humans, the Chajá is neither pursued nor hunted for consumption.

The legend of the Chajá bird

This legend begins with Aguará, an elderly man who was chief of a Guaraní tribe in his youth, standing out for his courage and strength. As he aged and became ill, he sought the advice and support of his only daughter, Taca.

Taca, besides being brave and skilled with the bow, was much appreciated for her kindness and beauty. She had saved the tribe in times of danger and had replaced her father on some occasions due to his weakened health.

Many wanted to be Taca’s husband, but she said she wasn’t in control of her heart as she was in love with her boyfriend, the warrior Ana Naró, who was also her fiancé.

One day a jaguar began causing chaos nearby. Because of this, the elderly Aguará met with other community elders to discuss the matter.

A warrior to the hunt

It was decided to go after the animal, but the warriors designated for this never returned from the task.

People were very scared, and they didn’t know what to do. The elders said they had to kill the animal to end the bloodshed.

Then, when asked who would be able to face the animal, only one warrior dared: Piraú. He was known for his tremendous loyalty to the chief.

Sadly, the days passed since the gallant warrior’s departure… but he never returned. This led everyone to assume that he had died on this task.

Taca offers to go after the beast

Another call was made, but this time, no one offered for the task.

Taca, annoyed, exclaimed: «I’m sure if Ara Naró were here, he would offer for this task. But since none of you are capable of doing it, I will go hunt the animal! It will shame you to know that a woman had more courage than you all!»

Then, noises arose, and the people found out the missing hunters had returned. Joy and hope returned to the village! Quickly, the chief informs Ana Naró of Taca’s intentions.

Without thinking, he goes to see her: «Taca, this task is not for you, where are the hunters of this tribe?» Taca explains the situation.

Chajá, Chajá

Ara Naró tells Taca he will go in her place, but she responds that she has given her word and cannot back down. However, he tells her that although he admires and respects her, he cannot allow her to undertake this task alone.

Taca agrees and says they must leave at once, using these words: «Chajá, Chajá,» which in Guaraní means «Let’s go.» In the forest, they began searching for the fierce animal.

At night, it happened. Both felt the beast’s gaze, and in a bush, they saw two scarlet eyes lurking at them. Ará Naró did not hesitate to push his beloved aside and fight that creature.

It was a fierce fight. Ara Naró used all his resources to defeat the animal, but sadly, a claw swipe to the neck killed him. Taca was shattered and willing to avenge her lover.

The birth of the Chajá bird

Taca jumped into the fight. Both stared at each other. The jaguar knew he had another opponent to kill. They fought impressively. A battle where neither of the involved parties survived.

Days passed and seeing the heroes didn’t return and that no more deaths occurred, everyone understood what had happened. The old chief died from sadness, and the god Tupá blessed him with death.

At his funeral, two birds that had never been seen before appeared. They sang «Chajá, chajá.» They were Taca and Ara Naró. God Tupá had transformed them as a gift into that watchful bird in that life.

Genny de Bernardo concludes by saying she hopes you enjoyed the legend of the Chajá bird.