Photo of Curl-crested aracari bird with multicolored feathers, black head feathers, with multicolored long curved beak sitting on tree limb.

Aracari, Curl-crested

Info

CLASSIFICATION
Order: Piciformes
Family: Ramphastidae
Genus: Pteroglossus
Species: beauharnaesii

RANGE
Native to South America and found over a large range in northern Bolivia, Peru and western Brazil.

HABITAT
Prefer semi-open, humid rainforests. They are often found in clearings, forest edges and swampy areas.

SIZE
Length: 16 – 18 inches (including tail)
Weight: 6 – 10 ounces

LIFE EXPECTANCY
4 – 6 years in the wild. Up to 18 years in human care with the average being 8 years.

REPRODUCTION

  • Breeding is usually from May to August
  • Nests are made in hollow tree cavities
  • Around 3 – 5 eggs per clutch
  • Both parents incubate eggs which hatch around 16 days
  • Chicks are born altricial (eyes closed, no feathers) and require their parents to survive; both parents take turns caring for the chicks
  • Family members have also been seen caring for chicks
  • Chicks fledge at around 6 weeks but still rely on parents for a short time after

DIET
The curl-crested aracari is primarily a frugivore, meaning it feeds on fruits, but will supplement their diet with small insects, lizards and the eggs of other native bird species.

Wild: Fruits, insects, eggs, small invertebrates

BEHAVIOR
While they can be found in flocks, the curl-crested aracari will often pair off during breeding season. The flock (usually around 12 individuals) can often be found foraging together in the tree canopy. Like toucans, they can flip their tail upward and will cover their beaks while sleeping for camouflage and protection.

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Have been seen interacting with other native species of aracari throughout their range
  • Arboreal, meaning they often stay in the tree canopy, only coming down sparingly to get fruits off of lower bushes.
  • They are named after the soft, black curls on the top of their head
  • Their wings are small and not suited for long flights

STATUS
Least concern but populations are thought to be declining.