Birds
Curl-crested Aracari
Pteroglossus beauharnaesii · also called curl-crested aracaris
Wearing feathers so tightly curled and glossy that they could be mistaken for plastic, a curl-crested aracari carries one of the strangest and most distinctive head patterns found on any bird, a small, social toucan relative of the western Amazon basin.
Overview
The curl-crested aracari, Pteroglossus beauharnaesii, is a small, socially inclined toucan relative native to rainforest habitat across the western Amazon basin. Its uniquely curled, glossy black head feathers unlike those of any other bird, colourful red-and-yellow body, and social flocking behaviour make it one of the most visually extraordinary and instantly recognisable members of the entire toucan family.
A crown unlike anything else in nature
No other bird carries anything resembling the curl-crested aracari’s tightly curled, glossy head feathers, an appearance so unusual that it remains one of the most striking sights in the entire western Amazon canopy.
Status
Least Concern, remaining present across suitable rainforest habitat throughout the western Amazon basin.
Curl-crested Aracari: common questions
Why do curl-crested aracari feathers look artificial?
This species has tightly curled, glossy black feathers covering its head, an appearance so distinctive and uniform that it can look almost artificial rather than natural, unlike anything found on any other bird.
Is the curl-crested aracari social?
Yes, this species is social, often found moving through the forest canopy in small flocks alongside other individuals rather than living a solitary life.
Where is the curl-crested aracari found?
This species is restricted mainly to the western Amazon basin, occupying a narrower range than some of its more widespread aracari relatives found elsewhere in South and Central America.
What does the rest of the curl-crested aracari look like beneath its unusual head?
This species has a colourful body marked with red and yellow tones beneath its distinctive curled black crown, a striking contrast between its unique head and more typically patterned toucan-family body.