Pteroglossus beauharnaisii
The Curl-crested Aracari (*Pteroglossus beauharnaisii*) is a striking member of the toucan family, Ramphastidae, celebrated for its unique, glossy-curled head feathers that give it its common name. Measuring approximately 43-46 cm (17-18 inches) in length and weighing between 170-220 grams, this medium-sized aracari sports a predominantly black head, neck, and upperparts, contrasting sharply with a creamy-white to yellow breast adorned with a prominent red band. Its belly is bright yellow, an...
Primarily inhabits humid lowland evergreen forests, including várzea and terra firme forests, as well as secondary growth and forest edges, typically below 1000 meters in elevation.
Feeds predominantly on fruits (80-90% of diet) from a wide variety of plant species, supplemented with insects, spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards, bird eggs, or nestlings.
Curl-crested Aracaris are highly social and diurnal, typically foraging in small, cohesive flocks of 3-10 individuals, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. They often roost communally in tree cavities at night. Their foraging strategy involves hopping nimbly through the canopy, gleani...
The Curl-crested Aracari is a resident species distributed throughout the western Amazon basin of South America. Its primary range includes significant portions of eastern Peru (Loreto, Madre de Dios, Ucayali regions), eastern Ecuador (Oriente provinces), northern Bolivia (Pando, Beni departments...
Least Concern
- The Curl-crested Aracari's distinctive head feathers are not actually curly but are modified, flattened feather shafts that are tightly coiled, giving them their unique appearance. - This species is a cooperative breeder, meaning that in addition to the breeding pair, other adult birds (often o...