Birds · Piciformes · Ramphastidae

Collared Aracari

Pteroglossus torquatus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The collared aracari is a small, slender toucan, black above and yellow below with a red and a black band across the belly. It lives in very sociable family groups that move in single file through the canopy. Its night-time behaviour is remarkable: up to six adults sleep together in the same tree hole, folding their tails over their backs to fit.

Weight

190 g – 280 g

Size

39 cm – 41 cm

Lifespan

15 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Family group

Lives in small family groups with close bonds.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

RainforestOmnivore Diurnal Family group Bird Rainforest

19countries 41parks5same family

Fun facts

GeneralA small toucan that sleeps in tree holes with its tail folded over its back.
They sleep packed together: up to six adults share the same tree hole each night, folding their tails over their backs like a closed fan so that they all fit.
It practises cooperative breeding: young from earlier broods help feed the chicks of the breeding pair, something that is uncommon among toucans.
It regularly preys on other birds' nests: it raids the eggs and chicks of other canopy birds, a habit that sits oddly with its reputation as a fruit-eating toucan.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Lowland rainforest, secondary forest and plantations of Central America and northern South America
Size at birth: Altricial: born blind, naked or with sparse down and entirely dependent
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Gestation / incubation: 16 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pteroglossus_torquatus

Where to find it

See its range on the interactive map

Best time: All year round in the forests of Central America and northern South America, by day; it moves in small parties that roost together in tree holes.