aracaris

Aracaris are a group of small- to medium-sized toucans in the family Ramphastidae, comprising several species within the genus Pteroglossus. They are characterized by slender bills that are often multicolored, and plumage that is typically dark with bright throat patches and contrasting facial markings. Compared to larger Ramphastos toucans, aracaris are smaller and more slender, with streamlined bills suited to foraging through fruit in the forest canopy.

Distribution and habitat: Aracaris occur in tropical forests, woodland edges, and riverine habitats from southern Mexico through Central America into northern Argentina, with the greatest diversity in the Amazon basin. They prefer intact forest but may inhabit edges and secondary growth.

Behavior and diet: Aracaris are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits and berries, especially canopy-dwelling species; they also eat insects, nectar, and small vertebrates opportunistically. They often forage in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species foraging flocks. They are cavity nesters, using tree holes, sometimes excavated by woodpeckers or preexisting cavities; both parents incubate eggs and feed the young.

Conservation: Conservation status varies by species. Most aracari species are currently listed as Least Concern, but several are affected by deforestation, forest fragmentation, and habitat degradation in the tropics, which can lead to population declines.

Relationship to humans: Aracaris are valued for their striking appearance and are sometimes seen in aviculture and ecotourism. They are protected by national laws in many range countries, and habitat conservation remains central to their persistence.