Pteroglossus torquatus
The Collared Aracari, *Pteroglossus torquatus*, is a strikingly colorful medium-sized toucan averaging 40-43 cm (16-17 in) in length and weighing 190-270 grams (6.7-9.5 oz). Its most distinctive features include a disproportionately large, serrated, yellowish-ivory bill with black markings, and a vibrant plumage combination of a black head and neck, a bright red band across the upper chest, and a sunny yellow belly with a central red blotch. The back is dark green, contrasting with a chestnut...
Found primarily in humid lowland tropical and subtropical forests, including rainforests, secondary growth, forest edges, and shaded plantations (e.g., cacao). Typically occurs from sea level up to 1200-1500 meters (4,000-5,000 feet) elevation.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits from tropical trees and vines, but also supplements its diet with insects, eggs, and nestlings of smaller birds, and small lizards.
Collared Aracaris are diurnal and highly social, typically found in small family groups or larger foraging flocks of up to 10-15 individuals. They exhibit remarkable cooperative breeding, with several adults, often siblings or previous offspring of the breeding pair, sharing duties of incubation,...
The Collared Aracari boasts a wide distribution across Central America and northern South America. Its breeding range extends from southern Mexico (southern Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, Yucatán Peninsula) south through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. In South Americ...
Least Concern
- The Collared Aracari is one of the few toucan species known for cooperative breeding, where non-breeding adults help raise the young of a dominant pair by sharing incubation and feeding duties. - They roost communally in tree cavities, sometimes with up to six adults sharing a single hole by fo...