Birds
Fiery-billed Aracari
Pteroglossus frantzii · also called fiery-billed aracaris
Flashing a bill in glowing shades of orange-red through the Pacific slope forests of Costa Rica and Panama, a fiery-billed aracari moves in small, sociable flocks, a smaller and more restricted relative of the large, widespread toucans nearby.
Overview
The fiery-billed aracari, Pteroglossus frantzii, is a small, highly social toucan relative native to rainforest and forest habitat on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and Panama. Its striking orange-red bill, restricted geographic range, and strongly social flocking behaviour make it one of the more visually distinctive and range-limited members of the wider aracari group found anywhere in Central America.
A narrow range, a fiery bill
Confined mainly to the Pacific slope of just two Central American countries, the fiery-billed aracari makes up for its limited range with one of the most vividly coloured bills found anywhere in the toucan family.
Status
Least Concern, remaining present across suitable rainforest and forest habitat on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica and Panama.
Fiery-billed Aracari: common questions
How did the fiery-billed aracari get its name?
This species has a bill in glowing shades of orange-red, a feature that gives the species its common name and helps distinguish it from similarly built aracari relatives.
Where is the fiery-billed aracari found?
This species is restricted mainly to the Pacific slope forests of Costa Rica and Panama, a narrower range than some of its more widespread aracari relatives found elsewhere in Central America.
Is the fiery-billed aracari social?
Yes, this species is highly social, typically moving and foraging in small flocks alongside other individuals rather than living a solitary life.
How does the fiery-billed aracari compare in size to large toucans?
This species has a smaller, more slender build typical of aracaris, distinguishing it clearly from the larger Ramphastos toucans found across overlapping parts of Central America.