Collared Aracari

The Collared Aracari is a member of the toucan family, Ramphastidae, known for its striking appearance and large bill. This near-passerine bird exhibits a vibrant plumage and can be observed in lengths ranging from 38 to 41 cm, with a weight between 175 to 250 grams. Both sexes share similar coloration, but the female's bill is notably shorter than the male's.

Identification Tips

Adult Collared Aracaris are characterized by their glossy black upperparts and a distinctive cinnamon rufous collar at the nape's base. Their lower back, rump, and uppertail coverts shine in bright red, while their underparts are primarily yellow with a central black spot and a red wash over the breast. The bill is a striking feature, with a vertical white line at its base, a buffy white maxilla darkening towards the base, and a black tip and culmen. Juveniles are duller, with a sooty-black head and chest and brownish olive upperparts.

Habitat

The Collared Aracari favors the interiors and edges of evergreen primary forests, mature secondary forests, and plantations of coffee, cacao, and fruit. It can also be found in semi-arid regions within gallery forests.

Distribution

Three subspecies of the Collared Aracari are distributed across various regions:

• P. t. torquatus ranges from east-central Mexico through Central America to northwestern Colombia.
• P. t. erythrozonus inhabits southeastern Mexico, including the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, and northern Guatemala.
• P. t. nuchalis is found in northern Colombia and Venezuela.

Behaviour

Collared Aracaris are social birds, often seen in groups of six to fifteen, sometimes including other toucan species. They exhibit communal roosting habits, with several individuals sharing a cavity overnight.

Song & Calls

The Collared Aracari's vocalizations include a high, sharp squeak, akin to "seek" or "penk," a purring sound, and an aggressive rasp. A distinctive rattle may also be heard, which could be non-vocal in nature.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from January to May. Nesting occurs in tree cavities, with a clutch size typically of three eggs. Both parents share incubation duties over a period of 16 to 17 days, and fledging takes place after 26 to 30 days. Multiple adults may contribute to feeding the nestlings.

Diet and Feeding

A diet rich in fruit is supplemented by large insects, eggs, nestlings of other birds, and small vertebrates. The Collared Aracari forages from the forest mid-level to the canopy and is known to regurgitate large fruit seeds, which often remain viable.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Collared Aracari as Least Concern, with an extensive range but an undetermined population trend. While it adapts to secondary forests, it remains vulnerable to deforestation and is hunted in some indigenous communities.