Pteroglossus aracari
The Black-necked Aracari (Pteroglossus aracari) is a vibrant, medium-sized toucanet, a striking resident of South American lowland forests. Measuring approximately 32-40 cm (13-16 in) in length and weighing 170-250 g (6-9 oz), its most distinctive feature is its brilliant plumage. Key identification marks include a glossy black head and neck, contrasting sharply with a bright yellow belly adorned with a prominent red abdominal band. Its back is dark green, while a vivid red rump adds another ...
This species primarily inhabits humid lowland rainforests and gallery forests, favoring areas with canopy cover but also tolerating secondary growth and forest clearings, typically at elevations from sea level up to 1000 meters.
Predominantly frugivorous, their diet consists mainly of tropical fruits, berries, and figs, supplemented opportunistically with insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates.
Black-necked Aracaris are highly social and diurnal, typically foraging in small, cohesive groups of 4-10 individuals, often composed of family units. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning fruits from the canopy, though they are also opportunistic predators of insects and eggs. They...
The Black-necked Aracari boasts a wide distribution across northern South America, primarily within the Amazon Basin and extending eastward into the Guianas. Its breeding range encompasses eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and a significant portion of Brazil, extending south to ...
Least Concern
- The Black-necked Aracari's distinctive bill, while large, is surprisingly lightweight due to its porous, honeycomb-like bone structure. - Unlike larger toucans, aracaris often roost communally, with several individuals piling into a single tree cavity, sometimes stacking on top of each other. -...