Birds
Collared Aracari
Pteroglossus torquatus · also called collared aracaris
Packed together with several roost-mates inside a single tree cavity, a small flock of collared aracaris shows just how social this smaller toucan relative can be, its chestnut chest band and black head a familiar sight across Central American forest.
Overview
The collared aracari, Pteroglossus torquatus, is a small, highly social toucan relative native to rainforest and forest habitat across Central America. Its distinctive chestnut chest band, strongly social flocking behaviour, and habit of roosting communally inside a single tree cavity make it one of the most behaviourally distinctive members of the wider toucan family found anywhere in Central America.
Safety and warmth in numbers
Unlike the more solitary large toucans, the collared aracari thrives on company, moving in small flocks by day and packing into a shared tree cavity by night for warmth and safety.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable rainforest and forest habitat throughout Central America.
Collared Aracari: common questions
Why is the collared aracari called that?
This species has a distinctive chestnut-coloured band across the chest, a feature that gives the species its common name and helps distinguish it from other aracari species.
How is the collared aracari different from large toucans?
This species has a noticeably smaller, more slender build than large Ramphastos toucans, belonging instead to a separate group known as aracaris, and is also more social, typically moving in small flocks.
Where does the collared aracari sleep?
This species often roosts together with several other individuals inside a single tree cavity, a communal sleeping arrangement unusual among the larger, more solitary toucans.
How can you identify a collared aracari?
This species has a black head contrasting with a more colourful body marked by red, yellow, and chestnut tones, along with the chestnut chest band that gives it its name.